"This is a peaceful protest"

As Melbournian's who were gathered to protest the gross inequality and injustice of criminal corporate behavior the victorian police responded in a typically heavy handed approach. As the crowds linked arms, chanting "This is a peaceful protest", members of the police force aggressively attacked the protestors, punching one man, who moments before had been holding his hands in a peace sign, viciously in the face Shame!! They are supposed to protect and serve. Protect and serve whom exactly?