A 21 year old woman has been arrested for her alleged involvement in the G20 protests. 

This arrest is latest in a barrage of excessive police activity in response to people exercising their democratic right to protest. 

“The use of violence by members of the Police force at the November protests is well documented and currently being investigated by the Office of Police Integrity” said Victoria Stead, spokesperson for the Ongoing G20 Arrestees Solidarity Network.

Numerous reports of police brutality include overhead baton strikes against non-resisting protesters, aimed towards the head, face, back and neck, resulting in hospitalization as well as severe bruising and concussion. 

“Overhead baton blows like this carry a serious risk of injury and, according to police documentation, "should only be used when lethal force is justified".”

“We are also concerned that police are arresting people who have been associated with social and environmental justice movements.” 

“The Police have breached long standing conventions of our criminal justice system by publicly releasing photos of so called ‘persons of interest’, against whom no specific accusations had been made at the time of publication.”

“A healthy democracy relies on people’s right to stand up for what they believe in.  What we are seeing is politicized policing, designed to silence public opposition, that is excessive, indiscriminate, and illegitimate, therefore we’re calling on all charges to be dropped.” 

The arrestee will be supported outside the Police station today by tutu-clad members of the public who are concerned with the behavior of the Victorian Police.