Clashes Erupt at Melbourne Anti-War Protest Leading to Dozens of Arrests
A significant anti-war protest in Melbourne turned violent, resulting in the arrest of 39 demonstrators after clashes with police.
The protest targeted the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, a military hardware exhibition in Australia’s second-largest city. The event, which drew over 1,200 protesters, witnessed confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement, with police officers being pelted with rocks, manure, and bottles filled with acid.
Police responded with flashbang grenades, irritant sprays, and foam baton rounds to disperse the crowd. According to Victoria Police, 24 officers required medical treatment following the unrest, and several protesters were arrested for offenses including arson, assaulting police, and obstructing traffic.
The demonstration, organized by anti-war and pro-Palestinian activists, protested against the weapons displayed at the exhibition, accusing some of them of being used in conflicts like the Israel-Palestine war. Many participants carried Palestinian flags and chanted pro-Palestinian slogans.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence while emphasizing Australians’ right to protest peacefully.
“You don’t oppose defense equipment by throwing things at police. Our officers should be respected at all times,” he stated.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton criticized the protesters’ actions, labeling them hypocritical for protesting against violence while resorting to aggressive tactics. Protest organizers, however, accused the police of being overly heavy-handed, using extreme measures against peaceful demonstrators.
The Land Forces Exposition, attended by over 1,000 corporations from 31 countries, has sparked controversy due to Australia’s involvement in arms exports, especially concerning conflicts like the ongoing war in Gaza. Despite the violence, both the event and protests are expected to continue in the coming days.
With input from BBC, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.
