Some 10,000 people marched this Saturday (02/12/2022) in the Australian capital to reject compulsory vaccination against the coronavirus , at a time when important mobilizations of this type are taking place in various parts of the world.
Protesters took to the streets of Canberra to gather in front of Parliament. Some carried a red Australian flag, an emblem associated with “sovereign citizens” who claim national laws do not concern them.
Many protesters, including children, displayed banners with messages such as “fight for your freedom and your rights” and “no to imposed drugs”, with a drawing of a syringe.
Police estimated that about 10,000 protesters turned out and that they were generally “well behaved.” There were three arrests.
Some 94% of people over the age of 16 in Australia have at least two doses of coronavirus vaccines, according to authorities.
The vaccine is voluntary in the country, but mandatory for people who enter its territory and for those who work in professions considered risky, such as caring for the elderly.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government said it understands the protesters’ concerns, but states, not the federal government, impose many of the vaccination mandates.