Australian police clash with Gaza war protesters outside weapons expo
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At least 24 police officers were injured, with 39 protesters arrested for arson, road blockage, and violence-related charges.
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Protesters confront police outside the Land Forces 2024 arms fair in Melbourne on September 11, 2024. (AFP)
Violent clashes erupted between police and hundreds of demonstrators protesting the Israeli genocide in Gaza on Wednesday, disrupting a large defense expo in Melbourne.
“This morning, police were pelted with missiles, including bottles filled with liquid, rocks, and horse manure," a Victoria police spokesperson told ABC News, adding that "Some officers were sprayed with acid and other irritants."
Demonstrators threw bottles, rocks, and horse manure, as well as sprayed the police with liquid irritants, including acid, according to a police statement.
Police pepper-sprayed protesters and used stun grenades and rubber bullets, which are intended to inflict pain without breaking the skin.
At least 24 police officers were injured, with 39 protesters arrested on arson, road blockage, and violent-related charges.
The protest was organized by the Students for Palestine and Disrupt Wars groups, with approximately 1,200 demonstrators surrounding the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre where the Land Forces Expo, Australia's defense industry exposition, was being held.
The three-day event features over 800 local and global defense firms displaying weapons, military equipment, and, technology.
“People have a right to protest peacefully, but you don’t say you’re opposed to defense equipment by throwing things at police,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Seven Network television.
“They’ve got a job to do and our police officers should be respected at all times.”
Police violence against demonstrators
Protesters were criticizing the government's support of "Israel's" genocide in Gaza, chanting "Albanese, you can't hide, you're supporting genocide."
Jasmine Duff, co-convenor for Students of Palestine, stated that the demonstration was intended to shed light on the deadly consequences of the displayed weapons at the convention.
"We’re standing up for all those killed by the weapons showcased here, some of which are used by Israel," she said.
Duff also described the violence police were inflicting on demonstrators.
“They used serious weapons on peace activists that should be banned for use on demonstrators, including pepper spray, which is classified as a chemical weapon,” she said in a statement, adding, “They hit us with batons, including hitting one man so hard he had to go to hospital, and they shot us with rubber bullets."
