Anti-war protesters clashed with police on Wednesday, Sept. 11, outside a defense expo in Melbourne, Australia, which reportedly led to dozens of arrests and injured 27 police officers as well as some protesters. Protesters reportedly threw rocks, horse manure and some bottles allegedly filled with acid at police. Protesters also doused some attendees with red liquid.
Activists accused police of using excessive force after officers used flashbang grenades and teargas to disperse the crowd. Authorities say they took dozens of people into custody on a range of charges from assault to arson.
Meanwhile, a law enforcement official called the behavior of protesters “disgusting,” adding, “If you wish to come and protest, do so peacefully. We will not tolerate criminal behavior.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the violence from some protesters.
More than 1,200 people gathered outside the defense expo which protesters said promoted weapons of war used in Gaza by Israel. Some activists chanted pro-Palestinian slogans and waved Palestinian flags while others had signs and flags representing other global conflicts and causes.
Australian media outlets reported that this is the largest police operation in Melbourne in more than two decades. One thousand law enforcement personnel reportedly responded to the demonstration. The expo goes until Friday, Sept. 13, and Australian authorities said expenses for the added security may soar into the $10 million range.
