Melbourne Protests Intensify as Police Clash with Anti-War Demonstrators at Defence Expo
In Melbourne, tensions boiled over during protests outside the Land Forces International Defence Exposition, a three-day event hosting defence and weapons manufacturers from across the globe. The protest, spearheaded by anti-war groups like Disrupt Land Forces, saw around 1,500 demonstrators take to the streets early Wednesday. Their presence aimed to disrupt the gathering of arms dealers and military personnel inside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, where advanced weaponry, from tanks to drones, was on display.
The peaceful start to the protest quickly turned into violent confrontations as Victoria Police deployed more than 1,000 officers to maintain order. Mounted police, pepper spray, and even hard foam rounds were used to disperse the crowd. Protesters retaliated by throwing items like horse manure and even low-level acid. Thick smoke filled the air, explosions were heard, and the scenes turned chaotic, leading to dozens of arrests and injuries on both sides.
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Human rights groups and the Victorian Greens were quick to condemn the police response, labelling the use of force as "excessive" and calling for an independent inquiry. Protest organisers expressed shock at the severity of police tactics, including the use of hard foam baton rounds and synthetic capsicum spray. They highlighted the injuries sustained by peaceful demonstrators and pointed out that previous protests had not seen such aggressive measures.
Victoria Police, however, defended their actions, citing the violent behaviour of some protesters, which included attacking officers and hurling dangerous substances. Chief Commissioner Shane Patton dismissed the claims of excessive force, stressing that the police's priority was public safety. He noted that 27 officers were injured during the clashes, ranging from ligament strains to chemical irritations.
Despite these events, the police remain committed to their presence at the convention as further protests are expected. Meanwhile, activists and human rights groups continue to push for accountability, urging the government to rethink the use of certain police tactics in managing protests. With tensions still high, Melbourne braces for more confrontations in the days to come.
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