Anti-racism rally to be held in Melbourne
Hundreds are expected to rally in Melbourne against the vilification of the city's African community following a spate of high-profile crimes involving street gangs.
Organiser Jasmine Ali said the rally on Sunday would feature African leaders and politicians calling an end to the scare campaign about "so-called African gangs" in Melbourne.
"By associating the idea of crime with ethnicity and being African, media outlets and Peter Dutton have created a hysterical climate of fear and racism, which is negatively impacting many people in different African communities in Melbourne," Ms Ali said in a statement.
Many far-right groups were encouraged to target members of different African communities, Ms Ali said.
A series of home invasions, armed robberies, assaults and attacks on police linked to offenders of African appearance have sparked intense media and political scrutiny.