SYDNEY, Sept 11 (Askume) – Anti-war protesters clashed with police outside a defence exhibition in Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city, on Wednesday, with police using sponge grenades, flash devices and irritant spray to control parts of the area. Dozens of people were arrested.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said in a statement that when officers tried to protect expo attendees they were attacked with stones, horse manure and bottles filled with liquid, some of which were thrown at them by protesters.
Victoria Police Commissioner Shane Patton said at a news conference that 20 police officers required medical treatment and 39 people had been arrested for assault, obstructing police, arson and blocking roads.
Police said protesters set fire to the streets, disrupted traffic and public transport and threw missiles at several police horses, but no serious injuries were reported.
Patton said some officers were spit on by protesters, while others were sprayed with liquids, some of which was identified as acid.
“This is disgusting behaviour that we saw today from a group of people who are intent on fighting us,” he said.
“If you want to protest, please do so peacefully. We will not tolerate criminal behaviour.”
About 1,200 people took part in the protest outside the biennial Army International Land Defense Expo, officials said.
The video showed several people chanting pro-Palestinian slogans through loudspeakers and waving Palestinian flags, while others held signs and flags representing other struggles and causes.
Dumpsters were pushed in front of the police line and one protester climbed on top of a truck stopped at a traffic light.
Australian media reported it was the largest police operation in Melbourne since Australia’s second-largest city hosted the World Economic Forum in 2000.
By Friday, about 1,000 exhibiting organisations from 31 countries are expected to attend the event, which organisers say is Australia’s largest defence expo.
According to ABC News, protesters poured red liquid on some attendees.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said people have a right to protest but it must be done peacefully.
“You can’t show your opposition to police defence equipment by throwing things at police officers,” Albanese told Channel 7. “They have to do their job and our police must always be respected.”
