PROTESTERS affiliated with two opposing groups have descended on Bendigo over continuing plans for a mosque to be built in the regional township.
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The city, which sits 90 minutes away from Melbourne, has become the unlikely face of anti-Islam rallies after the City of Greater Bendigo announced its decision earlier in June a year ago to build a new mosque in the city which has become a hotbed for right-wing protests against Islam and fears of terrorism.
Seyit urged more meetings between far-right members and Muslims to help stop future protests at places like Bendigo.
Rival protest groups have converged on a central Bendigo park where a stand-off is underway.
He attempted to walk through rally goers outside Bendigo town hall with a camera and scuffles broke out after someone grabbed and ran off with it. Police dragged the man over a barrier and restored calm.
An anti-racism demonstration planned for noon today in Bendigo appears to be fizzling due to a poor turnout.
The last big protest against the mosque in Bendigo, on August 29, resulted in clashes between activists.
‘There are people on the far left and the far right who will come tomorrow – I have no doubt – with no intention but to commit violent acts against each other, ‘ Victoria Police assistant commissioner Stephen Leane said on Friday.
“We won’t support violent protests nor will be support racial intolerance”. Many opponents to the mosque were expected to travel from interstate to stir up hate and bigotry, Mr Andrews said.
‘You’ve got people who wouldn’t know how to spell Bendigo coming to Bendigo, trashing Bendigo’s good name, ‘ Mr Andrews said.
Mr Leane asked moderate protesters to reconsider their involvement.
‘It is our responsibility as forward-thinking citizens to take every opportunity to educate fellow Bendigonians, and show them why we hold the beliefs that we do, and we must do so peacefully and respectfully.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said that anyone who vilifies another group is working against the national interest.
“Any group that is organising these anti-mosque events is only a satellite group, trying to capitalise on recent and very unfortunate events in Parramatta”.
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“How can that possibly be anything other than contrary to our national interest”, Mr Turnbull said.
