Avi Yemini, Rebel News’ chief Australian correspondent was tackled to the ground by Victorian Police and arrested on Saturday while reporting on Melbourne’s anti-lockdown protest.
“I was violently ARRESTED today while covering the lockdown protest in Melbourne for @RebelNewsOnline,” Yemini later said in a tweet.
“It seems like JOURNALISTS aren’t even safe anymore in Victoria,” he added.
Attached to the tweet was a 27-second video showing numerous officers restraining Yemini who was clearly carrying a microphone and standing with his camera crew at the time.
As the officers pinned him to the ground, Yemini can be heard explaining that he is with the media and his permit can be found in his pocket.
#BREAKING: I was violently ARRESTED today while covering the lockdown protest in Melbourne for @RebelNewsOnline.
— Avi Yemini 🇦🇺🇮🇱 (@OzraeliAvi) September 5, 2020
It seems like JOURNALISTS aren't even safe anymore in Victoria.
Full story coming exclusively to https://t.co/oJpSxefEvU
RT with the world what's happening here. pic.twitter.com/0Y1mnU0OPq
Following his release, police later visited Yemini at his home. Much of the conversation was captured and uploaded to social media.
“We demand an end to the Victoria Police state that detains journalists for doing their job,” Yemini said in a post on Rebel News.
Yemini said at the time of his heavy-handed arrest, he had all the correct paperwork and accreditation.
#BREAKING: Victoria Police just came by my house to intimidate me further in response to their unlawful arrest today going viral.
— Avi Yemini 🇦🇺🇮🇱 (@OzraeliAvi) September 5, 2020
Targeting the press like this is not ok.
We’re gonna fight back.
Please SIGN my petition to end this now! 👉 https://t.co/6EoL6gD7Dq pic.twitter.com/Dum8gFoF6q
