Dozens Arrested As Demonstrators Clash With Police At Melbourne Defense Expo

A peaceful protest against a defence exhibition in Melbourne turned violent on Wednesday as anti-war demonstrators clashed with police.

Dozens of arrests were made and several police officers were injured during the confrontations.

Police used non-lethal weapons like sponge grenades, flash-bang devices, and irritant sprays to disperse the crowd, which responded by throwing rocks, bottles, and horse manure.

The violence escalated as protesters targeted both police and expo attendees, with some being assaulted.

Authorities reported that 39 people were arrested on charges including assault, obstruction, arson, and blocking roads.

Two dozen police officers sought medical attention, while several police horses were injured after being struck by missiles.

“This is the type of disgusting behaviour that we saw today from a group who were intent on confronting us. If you wish to come and protest, do so peacefully. We will not tolerate criminal behaviour,” Shane Patton Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police told a press conference.

The protest, which drew around 1,200 participants outside the venue hosting the biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, featured chants, flag-waving, and other demonstrations against the defence expo.

Many chanted pro-Palestine slogans through loudspeakers and waved Palestine flags while others had signs and flags representing other conflicts and causes, video showed. Protective lit fires disrupted traffic and pushed dumpsters towards police lines.

Australian media reported it was the largest police operation in Melbourne since 2000 when Australia’s second-largest city hosted the World Economic Forum.

About 1,000 exhibiting organisations from 31 countries are expected to attend the event through Friday, which the organisers said was Australia’s largest defence expo.

In response to the violence, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of peaceful protest.

“You don’t say you’re opposed to defence equipment by throwing things at police,” he stated. “They’ve got a job to do and our police officers should be respected at all times.”