Violent clashes erupted between anti-war protesters and police outside a major defense exhibition in Melbourne on Wednesday, resulting in dozens of arrests and injuries to police officers. The confrontation marked one of the largest police operations in Australia’s second-largest city since 2000.
Victoria state police deployed sponge grenades, flash-bang devices, and irritant sprays to control parts of the hostile crowd gathered outside the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition. The biennial event, Australia’s largest defense expo, has drawn about 1,000 exhibiting organizations from 31 countries.
Shane Patton, Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, told a press conference that 39 people had been arrested for various offenses including assaulting, obstructing or hindering police, arson, and blocking roads. Two dozen police officers required medical treatment following the clashes.
“This is the type of disgusting behavior that we saw today from a group who were intent on confronting us,” Patton said. “If you wish to come and protest, do so peacefully. We will not tolerate criminal behavior.”
According to police, demonstrators pelted officers with rocks, horse manure, and bottles filled with liquid as law enforcement attempted to protect expo attendees, some of whom were reportedly assaulted by protesters. Some officers were spat at, while others were sprayed with a liquid irritant, which in some cases was identified as acid.
The protest, which authorities estimate drew about 1,200 people, saw demonstrators chanting pro-Palestine slogans through loudspeakers and waving Palestinian flags. Others carried signs and flags representing various conflicts and causes. The chaos disrupted traffic and public transport as protesters lit fires in the street and pushed dumpsters towards police lines. In one instance, a protester climbed atop a truck stopped at traffic lights.
Australian media reported that some expo attendees were doused with a red liquid by protesters, according to ABC News. The incident underscored the tense atmosphere surrounding the event.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violent aspects of the protest while defending the right to peaceful demonstration. “You don’t say you’re opposed to defense equipment by throwing things at police,” Albanese told Channel Seven. “They’ve got a job to do and our police officers should be respected at all times.”
The scale of the police operation was reminiscent of Melbourne’s hosting of the World Economic Forum in 2000, which also saw significant protests and security measures.
As the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition continues through Friday, authorities remain on high alert for further demonstrations. The incident has reignited debates about the balance between the right to protest and public safety, as well as Australia’s role in the global defense industry.
The clashes in Melbourne highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding defense and foreign policy issues in Australia, with the country navigating its strategic relationships in an increasingly complex global landscape.