Violent clashes erupted on Wednesday outside a military arms convention in Melbourne, Australia, as anti-war protesters clashed with police. The protesters engaged in aggressive behavior, hurling bottles, rocks, and even horse manure at law enforcement officers. Some protesters also sprayed officers with liquid irritants, including substances identified as acid.
In response, police retaliated with pepper spray, flash distraction devices, and foam baton rounds designed to cause pain without penetrating the skin. The confrontations resulted in at least 24 officers requiring medical treatment, with 33 protesters arrested for various offenses such as assault, arson, and obstructing roadways.
The Victoria Police force expressed dismay at the protesters' actions, condemning their behavior as appalling. Approximately 1,800 police officers were deployed to the Melbourne convention center hosting the Land Forces International Land Defense Exposition, which is scheduled to run through Friday.
Witnesses reported instances of protesters targeting police horses and officers with rocks, horse manure, and tomatoes. Some protesters engaged in violent acts, leading to clashes with law enforcement personnel in riot gear. Despite the tensions, no serious injuries were reported among the animals.
Road closures and traffic disruptions occurred due to the protests organized by the Students for Palestine and Disrupt Wars groups. The demonstrators aimed to draw attention to the impact of weapons displayed at the convention, with the national co-convenor of Students for Palestine emphasizing the use of civil disobedience tactics inspired by past social movements.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for peaceful protests and urged demonstrators to show respect for law enforcement officers. He emphasized the importance of upholding peaceful protest methods and respecting the role of police in maintaining public order.
The convention organizer, AMDA Foundation, declined to comment on the protester activity. The biennial event brings together arms industry representatives from Australia, the United States, Asia, and Europe, with the previous convention held in Brisbane in 2022 experiencing less intense protests.
