Clashes Erupt as Thousands Protest Melbourne Weapons Expo
Violent clashes broke out in Melbourne’s CBD on Wednesday as thousands of protesters confronted police outside a major weapons industry exhibition. The Land Forces Defence Expo, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, drew an estimated 25,000 demonstrators in what authorities called the city’s largest protest in decades.
Escalation of Violence
The day began with tense standoffs between protesters and mounted police shortly after 7 AM. As the morning progressed, the situation escalated rapidly. Demonstrators set fire to large bins, pulled down fences, and in some instances grabbed the reins of police horses. Law enforcement responded with capsicum spray and what eyewitnesses described as rubber bullets.
Police Deployment and Injuries
Victoria Police deployed nearly 1,800 officers, including riot squad members, to manage the protest. They were equipped with special search and arrest powers for the operation. In an unusual move, dozens of New South Wales police officers were also brought in to assist their Victorian counterparts.
The clashes resulted in injuries on both sides. At least one police officer was seen with blood streaming down his face. Protesters reported being hit by rubber bullets in the thigh and leg. Police made multiple arrests, though exact numbers have not yet been released.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the violence, describing the protest as a “very dynamic” situation. “Anyone going down to threaten Victoria Police will absolutely be dealt with,” Allan stated. She thanked police officers for their efforts in what she called a “difficult and dangerous situation.”
Impact on City Infrastructure
The protest caused significant disruption to Melbourne’s CBD. Several major roads were closed, including Clarendon Street and Spencer Street. Tram routes 12, 96, and 109 were forced to run in sections, while route 30 operated on a shortened path. The Department of Transport urged commuters to use city loop train services instead.
State Treasurer Tim Pallas estimated the week-long police operation would cost about $15 million. The high turnout and intensity of the protest appear to be fueled in part by opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza, with many demonstrators waving Palestinian flags.
Protest Organisers and Supporters
Protest organiser Nathalie Farah explained the demonstrators’ motivations: “We want Australia to not be complicit because it is actually against international law to be supplying weapons to Israel.” Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri also attended the protest, arguing that the convention “should have never been happening in the first place.”
The expo is scheduled to continue for three more days, with protesters vowing to maintain their presence. Human rights and legal groups have called on the Victorian government to ban the use of certain crowd control measures, including OC spray and police horses, at protests.
Protest Evolution
As the day progressed, the initial crowd of thousands thinned to several hundred, split between two main groups – one in front of Crown Casino and another on the north side of the Spencer Street bridge. While the intensity of clashes decreased, a tense atmosphere persisted with the sound of drums, whistles, and chants filling the air.
The Land Forces expo has a history of attracting protests, with a similar event in Brisbane in 2021 resulting in 17 arrests after demonstrators entered the venue and one person chained themselves to a display tank.
As Melbourne braces for potential further unrest in the coming days, the clash between protesters and authorities has reignited debates about the right to protest, police tactics, and Australia’s role in the global weapons industry.
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