Thousands of people rallied across Australia on Saturday, with demonstrations spanning the political spectrum and filling the streets of major capital cities.

Indigenous sovereignty groups marched through city centres to denounce racism and anti-immigration sentiment, with many participants linking their protests to the recent violent attack on a First Nations camp in Melbourne’s Kings Domain. In Melbourne, demonstrators draped in Aboriginal and Palestinian flags gathered at Flinders Street Station before marching through the CBD.

The rallies unfolded against a backdrop of heightened international tensions following the assassination of prominent U.S. conservative Charlie Kirk. In several cities, protesters carried signs and wore shirts bearing his name, while moments of silence were observed in Adelaide and Perth.

At Melbourne’s Parliament House, a separate gathering of right-wing demonstrators delivered speeches alleging government corruption and opposing renewable energy policies. One speaker called for “justice” for fugitive Dezi Freeman, accused of shooting two police officers and still at large.

Following recent clashes at Melbourne protests, Victoria Police declared part of the city a designated area for the day, granting officers expanded powers to search for weapons and order the removal of face coverings. Authorities maintained a heavy presence to keep rival groups apart and prevent further violence.