'Peaceful protest' in Brisbane turns violent as wild brawl breaks out between pro-China activists and protesters campaigning against Beijing's influence in Hong Kong
- Violence has erupted at a 'peaceful sit-in' anti-Chinese Communist Party protest
- Video of opposing sides show them pushing and verbally abusing protesters
- One protester said he had been punched in the head by 2 or 3 ultranationalists
Violence has erupted at a 'peaceful sit-in' anti-Chinese Comunist Party protest in Queensland.
The rising tensions at the march, which occurred at the University of Queensland in Brisbane on Wednesday afternoon, were captured on video and shared across social media.
In the video, pro-China activists can be seen verbally abusing protesters, tearing up their signs and pushing them.
Protester Drew Pavlou told The Courier Mail pro-Chinese students had attacked his group during a 'peaceful sit-in'.
'We've been assaulted four or five times by Community Party students,' he said on Facebook.
'I was actually punched in the head by two or three ultra-nationalist Chinese students, police are currently talking to them.'
The protest was organised after recent events in Hong Kong, where protesters have rallied against Beijing's influence - with the territory just days away from potential political chaos.
The majority of the mainly peaceful protests surround a controversial law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.
In the video (pictured), pro-Hong Kong protesters can be seen verbally abusing protesters, tearing up their signs and pushing them
Queensland Police confirmed to Daily Mail Australia officers were called to the university's Confucius Centre at about 1pm on Wednesday after a 'disturbance'.
There were no arrests.
The University of Queensland released a statement to Daily Mail Australia, saying that the protesters were advised to move on following police safety concern.
'One of the roles of universities is to enable open, respectful and lawful free speech, including debate about ideas we may not all support or agree with,' it read.
'The University expects staff and students to express their views in a lawful and respectful manner, and in accordance with the policies and values of the University.
'Earlier today, in response to safety concerns resulting from a student-initiated protest on campus, the University requested police support.
'On the advice of police, protesters were requested to move on. The safety of all students is paramount to the University.'
The University of Queensland released a statement to Daily Mail Australia, saying that the protesters were advised to move on following police safety concern. Pictured: A protester at the 'peaceful sit-in' protest at University of Queensland on Wednesday
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