Australia news live: court challenge over Melbourne stop-and-search powers continues

By Martin Farrer · The Guardian World

Victoria police to be cross-examined in court action by human rights group. Follow updates live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The assistant commissioner for Victoria police is set to be cross-examined in federal court this morning as a constitutional challenge by a trio of activists looks at whether a declaration of Melbourne’s CBD as a designated area for four months was legal. It is the second day of a two-day hearing. Constitutional arguments were laid out by counsel from both sides yesterday, focusing on how the implied freedom of political communication can be interpreted by police; and whether a protester wearing face-coverings should be considered a form of “political expression” or if they may be concealing their identity to commit a crime. Continue reading...