Around 1,200 anti-war and anti-genocide protesters clashed with police outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday, according to a media statement by Victoria Police. To date, 39 protesters against the Land Forces International Land Defense Exposition have been arrested and charged with various offences, including assault on police officers and obstruction of police.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton, addressing the media, reaffirmed support for the right to peaceful protest but described the events on Wednesday as anything but peaceful. Police officers on the ground were reportedly assaulted, had bottles thrown at them, and were targeted with balloons containing various liquids. Subsequent analysis indicated that some balloons contained a low-level acid meant to cause irritation. Currently, 24 police officers are being treated for injuries.
This tension was escalated when protestors also targeted police horses and threw horse manure at officers. “This is the type of disgusting behaviour that we saw today from a group who are intent on confronting us,” Patton stated. Additionally, protestors burned bins.
In response, non-lethal munitions—foam baton rounds, pepper spray, and flash distraction devices—were deployed against the protesters. Patton stated that their use was appropriate given the circumstances, although protestors argued that the force used by the police was disproportionate.
The protests, organized by Students for Palestine and Disrupt War groups, aimed to prevent profiting from war crimes. The Land Forces Exposition is a biennial event described by its organizers as “the premier gateway to the land defence markets of Australia and the region, and a platform for interaction with major prime contractors from the United States and Europe.”
A designated area was declared at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and South Wharf. The Victoria Police issued a public notice that the Supreme Court of Victoria authorized the use of special police powers under section 21B of the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act 2003. These powers enable police officers and protective services officers to obtain disclosure of identity, search persons and vehicles, and direct individuals to leave the area, among other measures. The authorisation will end at midnight on Sunday.
More detailed coverage of the events can be found in the original article on JURIST.