Viral Photo Doesn't Show Anti-Lockdown Demonstration
The Claim
This image was taken during an anti-lockdown demonstration on Bondi Beach in Australia.
Emerging story
The claim went viral in August 2021.
Misbar’s Analysis
We concluded that this photo was not taken during a 2021 anti-lockdown protest in Australia but is a 2013 image from Brazil. A reverse image search revealed that the photo was taken on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. The crowd was gathered on the beach to see a July 28, 2013 speech given by Pope Francis for World Youth Day. The photo was captured by Agence France-Presse (AFP) photographer Tasso Marcelo.
Anti-lockdown protests erupted in Australia on August 21st, with notable demonstrations taking place in Melbourne and Sydney. The demonstrations were a response to extended lockdown measures being used to combat record COVID-19 cases. Protests in Sydney and Melbourne have led to clashes with police and hundreds of arrests.
