Statue of Melbourne Founder John Batman Vandalized Ahead of Australia Day

The monument, criticized for its colonial history, was toppled near Queen Victoria Market as police investigate similar incidents across Australia.

The John Batman statue in Melbourne's CBD was severed in half early Saturday morning, just before Australia Day.
The monument, erected in 1881, has faced criticism for its portrayal of Aboriginal history and Batman's role in colonial violence.
Police are investigating this act of vandalism and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
The incident follows other recent acts of vandalism, including the beheading of two former prime ministers' statues in Ballarat and graffiti at an Australia Day ceremony site in Ringwood.
Authorities have increased security around other monuments, including a Captain Cook statue in St Kilda, which has been frequently targeted in the past.