Far-right National Socialist Network activists clash with police on steps of Victorian Parliament

Neo-Nazis clashed with police and anti-racism protesters outside Victoria’s state parliament on Saturday as hordes of masked far-right protesters marched against immigration.

The far-right group were seen performing the Seig Heil, a salute used by Nazis at rallies, which the Victorian Government has pledged to ban. 

Members of Melbourne’s National Socialist Network planned the event from midday on Saturday, but counter-protestors began arriving on Melbourne’s Spring St from 10am, sparking clashes.

Counter-protesters were seen shouting ‘wife basher’ at Avi Yemini, a far-right YouTuber who has been convicted of assaulting his former partner. 

Photos and videos showing masked men pushing police have been posted to social media. Photos show cops appearing to spray liquid at crowds to disperse them.

Members of Melbourne’s National Socialist Network planned the event from midday on Saturday, but counter-protestors began arriving on Melbourne’s Spring St from 10am, sparking clashes. A counter protester is pictured

Photos show cops appearing to spray liquid at crowds to disperse them

‘We are organising (the protest) in opposition to the system’s importation of 715,000 immigrants over the next two years, further exacerbating the housing crisis and ethnic replacement of white Australians in their own suburbs and towns,’ the National Socialist Network’s Thomas Sewell said in a video posted on social channels.

‘This will be a peaceful and legal demonstration open to all supporters and bystanders who wish to have their voice heard.

‘Living space for whites! Stop Immigration!’

In response, Victoria Police declared the CBD a ‘designated area’ from 7am to 7pm, granting police stop and search powers.

Victoria Police declared the CBD a ‘designated area’ from 7am to 7pm, granting police stop and search powers. One protester is shown pinned to the ground

Counter-protesters from the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (CARF) group rallied against the Nazis

‘Police officers and protective services officers are empowered to search a person and any thing in the possession or control of the person, or a vehicle for weapons,’ Victoria Police said in a statement.

Counter-protesters from the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (CARF) group rallied against the far-right group.

‘The relationship between mainstream racism and the far right couldn’t be clearer,’ CARF organisers said online.

‘Their capitalist masters say jump, and the fascists ask ‘how high’.

‘It is time for anti-fascists to spring into action. Let’s show up in numbers to prove that Melbourne is an anti-fascist town.’

It comes after about 30 neo-Nazis attended a controversial event by UK anti-trans activist Kellie-Jay Keen in March, performing the salute on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House.

Huge crowds gathered in the square to protest immigration – with counter protesters also there

Neo-Nazis held up a sign reading ‘living space for white nation’ at the rally today

It comes after about 30 neo-Nazis attended a controversial event by UK anti-trans activist Kellie-Jay Keen in March, performing the salute on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House