'Leave Mummy alone': Coronavirus protester arrested in Sydney's CBD in front of young son
A Sydney mother has been arrested and ripped away from her child while protesting the coronavirus lockdown in the city.
Renee Altakrity, 36, was one of dozens of protesters who flouted social distancing rules to make their point yesterday afternoon, with footage of the dramatic arrest going viral.
Renee Altakrity, 36, was one of dozens of protesters who flouted social distancing rules to make their point yesterday afternoon, with footage of the dramatic arrest going viral. Nine
Ms Altakrity had her four-year-old son with her, and was filmed appearing to clash with police outside NSW Parliament on Macquarie Street.
"My son is with me. I am not under arrest for anything. You need to get your hands off me," she said.
The mother-of-three was fined for breaching social distancing and arrested for not giving police her name.
She was wearing a sign that read: "If you don't know rights, you don't have any. Magna Carta," and was taking part in the protest as part of the 'Exercising My Rights' group.
Protesters can be heard saying: "Why is she under arrest? What a joke! Mummy. Mummy. Mummy's not going," and "She's got a baby. Leave her alone."
The pair were ripped apart, with her son, kicking and screaming, held back by two officers.
Ms Altakrity had her four-year-old son with her, and was filmed appearing to clash with police outside NSW Parliament on Macquarie Street. Supplied
NSW Police confirmed she was arrested around 3.50pm yesterday for refusing to obey the directions of police. Supplied
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said today: "That lady was approached by police, asked to provide some particulars so a very simple process could then take place but for whatever reason she became quite hysterical."
She later posted a mobile phone video, saying: "I cannot believe this is happening. They've left me in the back of the paddy wagon at the police station. They've taken my son inside.
"I don't know what else to say."
Renee Altakrity, 36, was later fined by police after the protest. Nine
NSW Police confirmed she was arrested around 3.50pm yesterday for refusing to obey the directions of police.
"Officers moved the group on after explaining they were not authorised to protest and were also not complying with social distancing regulations," a NSW Police spokesperson said.
"One woman refused to give officers her details and would not comply with their direction to move on. She was placed under arrest; however, resisted and struggled with officers.
"She was taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where she was issued an infringement notice for failing to comply with direction relating to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions."
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