MELBOURNE, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Violent protesters have been told to stay out of Melbourne's central business district this weekend, as opposing activist rallies planned for Sunday look set to clash.
Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews and the city's Lord Mayor Robert Doyle have joined forces to condemn violent rallies which have plagued the city in recent times, announcing that a presence of up to 500 riot police will be brought in to keep the calm.
The right-wing "True Blue Crew" announced it would be marching through the city on Sunday, while the leftist group "No Room for Racism" is also holding a rally.
Andrews said he held talks with riot police ahead of the marches, and said force of 500 had prepared for a "nasty" clash. In order to mitigate the threat of violence in the city, he warned those thinking of bringing thuggery to the marches to stay away from the city to avoid being arrested or hurt.
"I will speak to the chief commissioner later this week ahead of what may be a set of nasty incidents on Sunday. I hope not, I hope it is a peaceful protest," Andrews said.
Meanwhile Doyle told the violent thugs to "stay out of the city", and said any protests to be held in Melbourne were to be of a peaceful nature only.
"We have seen some pretty ugly scenes when groups clash and we have seen fault on both sides," Doyle said on Wednesday.
"We hope for the best and plan for the worst, and unfortunately we are getting pretty good at planning for these sorts of clashes."
"If you are looking for trouble, stay out of the city as we are not interested in having you here. If you want to make a peaceful protest as is your right then you are welcome."
Both groups have clashed violently in the past, with the latest occurrence happening in the inner suburb of Coburg earlier this year.
Police condemned the violent protest in which they were forced to use capsicum spray, while masked thugs were called out for choosing to hide their faces while causing destruction.
