Victorian police investigate car allegedly driven at protester during Melbourne anti-racism rally

Victorian police are investigating allegations that a car was deliberately driven at speed toward a protester during an anti-racism rally in the Melbourne suburb of Broadmeadows on 25 July, after video footage showed a vehicle clipping a man on the legs before accelerating away from the group.

More than 150 people gathered in Broadmeadows on 25 July for what organisers described as a peaceful community rally. After speeches, participants marched to Broadmeadows Town Park, occupying one lane of Tanderrum Drive, a two-lane road.

While the group was walking on the road, a car travelling in the same direction sounded its horn. Protesters alleged that as the car approached, a passenger opened the door twice, as if trying to push people aside.

Video of the incident, seen by Guardian Australia, shows a protester walking at the edge of the group turning as the car approached and appearing to kick at it. The car then struck him on the legs and accelerated away. Witnesses said it did not slow down as it attempted to pass the group.

The protester, a 43-year-old man who asked not to be identified, alleged that he heard an occupant of the car shout racial abuse before the vehicle struck him. The comments were not audible in the video, though Guardian Australia spoke to two others at the march who said they also heard the alleged remarks. Several participants, including the man shown in the video, said they reported the incident to police within hours and in the following days.

Rally organiser and Merri-bek Socialist Alliance councillor Sue Bolton said organisers had contacted police before the event and received verbal confirmation that officers would attend, but none did. Athiya Zameer, the group's designated police liaison, filed a formal complaint calling for action against the driver and claiming the incident had caused trauma to the person struck, to children present, and to the broader community.

In a written response to the complaint, seen by Guardian Australia, police confirmed they had been aware of the planned event and stated the matter was being actively investigated, adding that they were committed to ensuring the allegations were thoroughly assessed. Police declined to answer questions about why officers did not attend the rally.

• The identity of the driver and any passengers in the vehicle has not been established in the source.
• The driver's or vehicle occupants' account of events is absent from the source.
• The precise nature of the alleged racial abuse has not been reported.
• The extent of the protester's physical injuries is not described.
• The source does not clarify the specific reason police did not attend despite reportedly confirming they would.
• The current status of any charges or formal police action against the driver is not reported.

1. The Guardian — original

Read the original at The Guardian

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