Hundreds of pro-refugee protesters have surrounded a fundraising event for former prime minister Tony Abbott in Sydney and heckled attendees.
A vocal crowd of about 200 wrestled with police as they attempted block cars with guests entering the event in Redfern.
They confronted guests, including Abbott’s sister Christine Forster. She was forced back from the entrance to the event before police formed a ring around her and pushed their way through the crowd.
Protesters shouted “Refugees are welcome here” and “Shame on you” to event attendees as bands played in the background.
Shame on you, @PeterDutton_MP @TonyAbbottMHR and all your guests! We won't stop until you #letthemstay #EvacuateManus pic.twitter.com/Uq21HgUlCA
— spindles (@spindlesmusic) November 10, 2017
The protest is being held to oppose Australia’s offshore detention system, with immigration minister Peter Dutton attending the fundraiser.
In Melbourne on Friday evening, more than 1,000 protesters supporting the plight of refugees on Manus Island brought the CBD to a standstill. The demonstration, which set off from the State Library, caused major delays for trams and cars as protesters move through the city down Swanston Street.
Dozens of police, including some on horseback, lined the street to prevent the rally from heading towards the city’s busiest intersection outside Flinders Street station.
Police earlier said they were aware of the planned action, adding they respected the rights of protesters but “will not tolerate people breaking the law or endangering the safety of the community”.
On Friday, Papua New Guinean immigration officials and police started destroying makeshift shelters built by about 600 refugees and asylum seekers who refuse to relocate from the now closed Manus Island detention centre. They also destroyed the rubbish bins that were used to store water.
The initial efforts to dismantle the camp started on Friday, a day before a slated deadline for forcible removal that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill warned of on Thursday.
Almost 60 refugees and asylum seekers had already voluntarily boarded buses and trucks to be taken to new accommodation on Friday as a result of the operation, said Police Chief Superintendent Dominic Kakas.
