Around 1200 anti-war and anti-genocide protesters clashed with police outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibit Center on Wednesday, according to a media statement by Victoria Police. 39 of the protestors against the Land Forces International Land Defense Exposition have been arrested so far and charged with various offences, including assault on police officers and obstruction of police.
Addressing the media, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton stressed his support of the right to peaceful protest but said the events on Wednesday were anything but. According to Patton, police officers on the ground were assaulted and had bottles thrown at them, as well as balloons containing different liquids. According to subsequent analysis, some balloons contained a low-level acid meant to irritate. 24 police officers are currently being treated for injuries.
Police horses were reportedly targeted, and officers had horse manure thrown at them. “This is the type of disgusting behaviour that we say today from a group who are intent on confronting us”, Patton said. Protestors also burned bins.
Patton confirmed that non-lethal munitions were deployed against protestors and claimed that the use of non-lethal munitions – foam baton rounds, pepper spray and flash distraction devices – was appropriate in the circumstances. However, protestors say the use of police force was disproportionate.
The purpose of the protests organized by Students for Palestine and Disrupt War groups is to prevent profiting from war crimes. The Exposition is a biennial event described by the 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 authorised the use of special police powers around the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, under section 21B of the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act 2003. The powers enable police officers and protective services officers to obtain disclosure of identity, search persons and vehicles, and direct persons to leave the area, among other powers. The authorisation will end at midnight on Sunday.