Violent Confrontations and Allegations of Acid Attacks Emerge during Melbourne Anti-Weapons Demonstration
Police utilized bean bag rounds, flashbang grenades, and pepper spray against demonstrators outside an arms manufacturers’ expo, alleging that protesters had sprayed acid.
Violent clashes ensued between law enforcement and protesters outside the Land Forces exhibition at Melbourne’s South Wharf. This biennial conference and trade show attracts numerous defense officials and personnel globally, with over 800 organizations represented this year, including multiple weapons manufacturers.
Authorities had anticipated up to 25,000 demonstrators, seeking assistance from interstate forces well in advance. However, the actual number was later estimated to be around 1,200 individuals. To control the situation, police sealed off all roads leading to the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Center, causing significant traffic disruptions.
Public transport commuters also encountered difficulties as they were forced off buses and trams near the venue. Police invoked anti-terror laws to broaden their search powers within the area.
Days preceding the event, a protester was arrested for halting her vehicle on Melbourne’s West Gate Freeway and affixing herself to it, resulting in a prolonged road closure.
As the event approached, police created a barrier outside the convention center for attendees to ingress while protesters flanked each side, leading to clashes lasting throughout the day.
During the altercation, police and protesters were met with violence, with officers claiming to have been sprayed with a liquid identified as acid and being spat at. Subsequently, authorities used rubber bullets, tear gas, and flashbang grenades to disband the protesters.
Police, Protestors Met With Violence
An escalation of the conflict led to the deployment of various crowd control measures, while ongoing clashes resulted in multiple arrests. The confrontation ceased around 2:00 p.m. due to rainfall dispersing most protesters.
Protesters targeted at least five heavy vehicles, interrupting container freight movements by damaging their braking systems, according to the Container Transport Alliance Australia.
Victoria Police condemned the behavior of certain protesters and highlighted that 24 officers had been treated for injuries. Nevertheless, rally organizers stated that police had also resorted to violence toward protesters.
The event prompted Greens leader Ellen Sandell to demand an independent inquiry into police tactics and excessive use of force. Greens MP Gabrielle Di Vietri criticized the state government for not canceling the arms expo, while Premier Jacinta Allan contended that conflicts overseas should not lead to street clashes.
Government Reaction
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized respect for law enforcement and peaceful protests, asserting that opposition to defense equipment should not involve aggression toward police. Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines echoed these sentiments, stating that disrespectful behavior from protesters would be dealt with accordingly.
The protest, organized by Disrupt Land Forces, was triggered by the government’s stance on Middle East conflict, with protesters condemning the presence of battle-tested weaponry from Israeli firms. Victoria Police estimated the cost of managing the operation to be between $10 million and $15 million.
