A SERIES of planned protests around Melbourne against the anti-Islamic film Innocence of Muslims fizzled today, with police reporting low numbers and no serious incidents.

Right-wing protesters met at the State Library and briefly argued with one Muslim man, but were outnumbered by police.

A planned protest was cancelled earlier this week after organisers spoke with police.

Police on watch for Islam protests

Two people were given banning notices, preventing them from being in the CBD for 24 hours, at Flinders St station, where so called "pro-Australian" protesters were urged to "come ready for battle" before heading to the library.

Four men in "proudly atheist" T-shirts and carrying signs saying "Islam is false" had a fiery debate with pro-Islamic supporters about 1pm.

Pictures: Anti-Islamic protest

Up to 12 people who had flown Australian flags and onlookers joined in before police asked a pro-Islam supporter to leave.

The remaining group chanted and waved flags before an argument broke out.



Police Commander Jeff Forti said more pro-Islam supporters could have made the event volatile, and planning had averted problems.

"I think (Islamic community leaders) diligently thought, 'Well, there's potential for violence. We don't want to be involved in that', so they chose to recommend to their people not to attend, and I admire them for that," Cdr Forti said.

Victorian Muslim leaders have continued to discourage protests and have overwhelmingly condemned last week's violence in Sydney.

- with Amelia Harris





media_camera A young Muslim male engages a group of anti-Islamic protesters in heated debate during what was to be a pro-Islamic rally on the steps of the State Library. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Originally published as Muslim protests fizzle in city