Anti-war protesters and police engaged in clashes outside a defence exhibition in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, on Wednesday. The situation escalated with dozens of arrests as police employed sponge grenades, flash-bang devices, and irritant sprays to manage the unruly crowd. According to a Victoria state police spokesperson, officers faced a barrage of rocks, horse manure, and bottles filled with liquid while attempting to safeguard attendees of the expo, some of whom were attacked by protesters.
Shane Patton, Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, revealed at a press conference that 24 police officers required medical attention, and 39 individuals were arrested for offenses including assaulting, obstructing, or hindering police, arson, and road blocking. Protesters set fires in the streets, disrupted traffic and public transport, and hurled objects at several police horses, although no serious injuries were reported. Patton added that some officers were spat on by protesters, while others were sprayed with a liquid irritant, some of which was identified as acid.
"This is the type of abhorrent behavior we witnessed today from a group determined to confront us," Patton stated. "If you choose to protest, do so peacefully. We will not condone criminal behavior." Authorities estimated that approximately 1,200 people participated in the protest outside the venue hosting the biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition. Many protesters chanted pro-Palestine slogans and waved Palestine flags, while others displayed signs and flags representing various conflicts and causes, as video footage showed. Dumpsters were pushed towards police lines, and one protester scaled a truck stopped at traffic lights.
Australian media reported that this was the largest police operation in Melbourne since 2000, when the city hosted the World Economic Forum. The event, which runs through Friday, is expected to draw about 1,000 exhibiting organizations from 31 countries, making it Australia's largest defence expo. According to ABC News, some attendees were splashed with a red liquid by protesters.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that while people have the right to protest, it must be done peacefully. "You don't express opposition to defence equipment by throwing things at police. They have a duty to perform, and our police officers should be respected at all times," Albanese told Channel Seven.
