Protesters disrupt Lauren Southern event in Melbourne

Police and protesters have clashed outside a Melbourne venue where far-right Canadian commentator Lauren Southern spoke.

Protesters are forced back by police after attempting to stop a bus full of people arriving to hear Lauren Southern.

Protesters are forced back by police after attempting to stop a bus full of people arriving to hear Lauren Southern. Source: AAP

Protesters have clashed with riot and mounted police outside a Melbourne venue hosting far-right Canadian provocateur Lauren Southern.

More than 100 protesters blocked the Hume Highway outside Somerton's La Mirage Reception and Convention ahead of Ms Southern's Friday night event.

At one point, the group rushed at a bus filled with attendees, slapping it and chanting "surround the Nazi bus" while being mooned by a man inside it.

Outside the Lauren Southern event in Melbourne.
Outside the Lauren Southern event in Melbourne. Source: AAP




Inside, Ms Southern's speech was interrupted by protesters with banners and chanting "racism off out streets", according to the Whistleblowers, Activists and Citizens Alliance group.

The young provocateur is known for her controversial views on multiculturalism, Islam and feminism and was banned in March from entering the UK.

The Campaign Against Racism and Fascism says Southern is "a notorious racist and Islamophobe".

"She is known for her involvement in the racist attempts to obstruct NGO search-and-rescue boats trying to help shipwrecked migrants in the Mediterranean," the group said in Facebook statement.

Anti-fascist protesters block the Hume highway.
Anti-fascist protesters block the Hume highway. Source: AAP


Back outside, right-wing activist Neil Erikson filmed protesters before being hauled away from police.

He and two other men are charged with affray and riot over an incident outside an event by controversial commentator Milo Yiannopoulos last year.

Victoria Police is reportedly charging Ms Southern more than $67,000 for their presence at the event.

Lauren Southern arriving at Brisbane Airport.
Lauren Southern arriving at Brisbane Airport. Source: Twitter



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