From Police clash with anti-Israel, anti-war protesters at Melbourne defense expo; 24 officers injured
Anti-Israel and anti-war protesters and police clash outside a defense exhibition in Australia’s second-largest city of Melbourne, with police using sponge grenades, flash-bang devices and irritant sprays to control parts of the hostile crowd.
Police were pelted with rocks, horse manure and bottles filled with liquid as they tried to protect attendees of the expo, some of whom were assaulted by protesters, a Victoria state police spokesperson says in a statement.
Two dozen police officers require medical treatment and 33 people were arrested for offences including assaulting, obstructing or hindering police, arson and blocking roads, police said.
“Victoria police is appalled at the behavior of some of the protesters in attendance,” the police spokesperson says.
“Some police have been spat at by protesters, whilst other officers have been sprayed with a liquid irritant, some of which has been identified as acid.”
Come down to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to block entrance to the Land Forces weapons expo, the peak gathering of global war mongers who commit genocide and war crimes with the showcased weapons. The more people here the better pic.twitter.com/TCIHrupPCp
— James Conlan ????️???? (@JamesMConlan) September 10, 2024
Protesters lit fires in the street, disrupted traffic and public transport, while missiles were thrown at several police horses but no serious injuries were reported, police say.
About 1,200 people attended the protest outside the venue hosting the biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, authorities say.
The protesters were organized by Students for Palestine and Disrupt Wars groups.
Many chanted pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel slogans through loud speakers and waved Palestinian flags while dumpsters were pushed towards police lines, video showed.
Video showed dozens shouting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” a chant often heard at protests against Israel’s war against the Hamas terror group, condemned by many as a call for the elimination of Israel.
Some held signs calling for an “unconditional ceasefire,” apparently dismissing the need for the release of the 101 hostages held by terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
“We’re protesting to stand up for all those who have been killed by the type of weapons on display at the convention,” Students for Palestine national co-convenor Jasmine Duff says in a statement.
