On Wednesday, violent clashes erupted between anti-war protesters and police outside the Land Forces International Defence Exposition in Melbourne. Officers used tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray to manage the large crowd, which included many waving Palestinian flags and chanting pro-Palestinian slogans.
Riot police and mounted units tried to contain the protesters within barricades, with reports indicating this was Melbourne’s most significant police operation since the 2000 World Economic Forum.
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Protesters threw rocks and bottles, leading to assaults on some expo delegates. Two dozen police officers needed medical treatment, and 33 protesters were arrested for various offenses, including assault, arson, and obstruction.
Victoria state police condemned the protesters’ actions, noting some officers were spat on and sprayed with an irritant, with reports of acid being used. Protesters also set fires, disrupted traffic, and targeted police horses, but no serious injuries were reported.
Approximately 1,200 demonstrators attended the expo, Australia’s largest defence event, which featured around 1,000 companies from 31 countries.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed the importance of peaceful protest, asserting that attacking police is not a valid way to oppose defense equipment.
