A peaceful protest against a military arms convention in Melbourne, Australia, turned violent on Wednesday, resulting in clashes between protesters and police. The Land Forces International Land Defense Exposition, a biennial event showcasing defense technologies, became the focal point of heated demonstrations organized by groups like Students for Palestine and Disrupt Wars.
Protesters, aiming to disrupt the convention, hurled bottles, rocks, and even horse manure at police officers, according to a police statement. Some protesters also sprayed officers with liquid irritants, identified as acid in some cases. In response, police deployed pepper spray, flash distraction devices, and foam baton rounds, designed to inflict pain without piercing the skin. The confrontation led to the injury of at least 24 officers, who required medical attention.
The violent nature of the protests resulted in the arrest of 33 individuals for offenses including assault, arson, and obstructing roadways. Victoria Police, responsible for policing the state, condemned the protesters’ actions, expressing their disapproval of the violence.
Witnesses reported protesters targeting police horses with rocks, manure, and tomatoes, while police officers in riot gear and with shields responded. In one instance, a police officer on horseback was seen striking a protester with a riding crop. A line of police officers was also observed pushing protesters away from the convention center. While police confirmed that some protesters targeted horses, they emphasized that no animals sustained serious injury.
Despite the protests, the arms convention proceeded as planned. The organizers, AMDA Foundation, opted not to comment on the protester activity. The event attracted participants from the arms industry in Australia, the United States, Asia, and Europe.
The escalating tensions sparked a debate about the balance between the right to peaceful protest and the need for maintaining order and security. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while acknowledging the right to protest, called for respect for police officers. He urged protesters to express their opposition to defense equipment through peaceful means and refrain from violence directed at law enforcement.
The events in Melbourne highlight the complexities of public discourse surrounding defense and the challenges of balancing individual rights with societal stability. The convention’s organizers, along with government officials, will likely be assessing the impact of the protests and considering measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
