Video: Two arrested after protest outside Victoria parliament; police under fire for using pepper spray

Two women were arrested outside the state parliament of the Australian state of Victoria in Melbourne after a women’s rights rally turned violent.

This comes as the #WomenWillSpeak demonstration took place outside the Parliament House on Saturday (Mar 23) afternoon.

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The #WomenWillSpeak rally was met with a counter-protest by pro-trans rights activists, reported the Australian Broadcast Company (ABC), who were separated by a large police presence.

According to the police, around 100 people were attending the rally. The Herald Sun, an Australian tabloid, said that its photographer was injured and pepper sprayed after a scuffle broke out.

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The videos on social media show at least two protesters being tackled to the ground before the police used the OC spray. The Victorian police said that they have arrested two women in their 20s and are expected to be charged on summons.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised.