Hundreds of thousands of people gathered across Australia and New Zealand on Friday for morning services and street marches to mark ANZAC Day, a joint day of remembrance for fallen soldiers in both countries.
However, at least two events in Australia were disrupted by protests, with hooligans disrupting public transport in Melbourne and Perth.
A small group of troublemakers disrupted a 50,000-strong morning service at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance, shouting abuse and jeering.
The protests began when Indigenous Australian Mark Brown began the service with “Welcome to Country” – a ceremony in which Indigenous Australians welcome visitors to their traditional land.
The interruptions continued at every mention of the Aboriginal soldiers.
Critics shouted, “This is our country” and “We don't need to be welcomed,” echoing the slogans of the small Patriot Trumpet Party.
The party's extensive advertising is financed by mining magnate Clive Palmer and inspired by the policies of US President Donald Trump.
Loud protests were interrupted by applause from those urging Mr Brown to continue.
Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh has said the man behind the protests is a “known neo-Nazi”.
“We honour the memory of some of the soldiers who died in a war that was fought against this kind of hateful ideology and so this was completely disrespectful and completely unacceptable at an ANZAC Day commemoration,” Mr Keogh said.
Victoria Police said the 26-year-old man was removed from the event.
Victoria Police said in a statement that the man had been questioned in relation to offensive behaviour and would be served with a summons to appear in court.
Someone also disrupted the Welcome to Country ceremony at the main morning service in Western Australia's capital city of Perth.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook condemned the intervention, calling it “utterly disrespectful” and “disgusting”.
“This is a solemn occasion. This is a moment when we need to come together as a community, and for someone to use this to make a political point, and in such a disrespectful way, is completely unacceptable,” Mr Cook said.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
