Police in Melbourne detained a man on Friday who was involved in a protest against a fundraiser for the One Nation party. According to the Guardian, the man is Michael Nelson, who was convicted just a week ago for disrupting an ANZAC Day commemoration. Nelson was held by officers outside the venue in South Melbourne after he clashed with party supporters.
In online videos, Nelson can be heard shouting “Pauline Hanson … the great white hope” during his detention, accusing officers of arresting him for his support of the One Nation leader. Police confirmed on Saturday that no formal arrests were made, but the 22-year-old was issued a move-on notice.
The fundraiser had to be relocated from an Italian restaurant in Moonee Ponds after the owner canceled the booking due to security concerns over planned counter-protests by anti-fascist and socialist groups. Hanson herself claimed the move was due to “too many bookings,” not the expected protests.
The opposition Labor Party used the incident to take a swipe at conservative parties. “The opposition will give us chaos,” a spokesperson said, referring to the support One Nation receives from the Liberals and Nationals.
Source: www.theguardian.com
