THE AUSTRALIAN: PROTESTERS clashed violently with police and guests tonight before a speech by controversial anti-Muslim Dutch MP Geert Wilders.
Activists pushed and shoved guests to stop them entering, and linked arms to try to form a blockade.
One middle-aged invitee was shoved to the ground in the skirmish.
A protester with a blood nose said a guest he'd called "one of the fascist cohort" assaulted him.
The 22-year-old, who would only give his name as James, said: "He threatened to punch me unless I let him through. And he then started clawing at my face."
There were reports of activists ripping up guests' tickets.
Police moved in to clear the gates to allow guests to enter to hear the speech. A line of officers, backed by mounted police, swarmed in to remove protesters from the entrance of the La Mirage Function Centre on the Hume Highway at Somerton, in Melbourne's north.
Up to 60 police then formed a ring of steel around the venue, as Mr Wilders spoke inside.
Senior Sergeant Michael Maloney said there had been no arrests.
Tony Iltis, from the Socialist Alliance, said the group were stopping fascists from entering.
"Police came in pushing us and grabbing shouting 'Move, move' and all that garbage," he said.
Protesters remained beside the venue to continue to voice their opposition, chanting "Racist scum!" About 100 protesters had gathered in the minutes before Mr Wilders spoke.
The venue for the speech had been kept secret, but protesters got wind of it earlier today.
Protesters linked arms to block access, forcing police to use mounted officers to clear the entrance.
Entering the reception centre was like passing through airport-security, with guests forced to be scanned by metal detectors. The serene environment inside contrasted with the violent clashes of the protesters outside, with the 500 guests sitting quietly to hear the speeches.
Mr Wilders, entered the ballroom to a standing ovation, opening his speech with a condemnation of Australian politicians, including Federal Minister Chris Bowen, who had labelled him an "extremist" and a "fringe-figure from the far right".
While he said Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett had even told the press he would not be welcome in the state.
"I am the leader of a party who have nearly one million voters in a country that is known for its tolerance. I am not a fringe figure and I am not a far-right figure either. » | James Dowling | With John Masanauskas and AAP | Herald Sun | Tuesday, February 19, 2013
