Antiwar protesters clashed with police outside an arms fair in Melbourne, Australia, demanding a shift in the government’s stance on Israel’s war in Gaza.
On Wednesday, police reported using stun grenades, pepper spray, and foam baton rounds—commonly referred to as “rubber bullets”—during the confrontation. They arrested 39 individuals as roughly 1,200 demonstrators picketed the Land Forces 2024 military weapons exhibition. Australia has seen ongoing protests against its arms industry’s involvement in the conflict for the past 11 months. Jasmine Duff, a representative from Students for Palestine, stated, “We are protesting in memory of all those killed by the weapons showcased here.”
Approximately 1,800 police officers were deployed to the Melbourne convention centre, where the three-day event is being held. Up to 25,000 attendees were initially anticipated for the protests.
Protesters threw rocks, manure, and bottles filled with irritants, including acid, at officers, resulting in about two dozen police requiring medical treatment, according to a Victoria Police spokesperson. Demonstrators also set fires, disrupted traffic and public transport, and hurled projectiles at police horses. However, no serious injuries were reported. Arrests were made for offences such as assaulting police, arson, and blocking roads, with authorities condemning the protesters’ conduct.
The activist group Wage Peace – Disrupt War, which participated in the protests, said on social media that they had delivered their message “loud and clear.” The group accused police of using “extreme weaponry,” including flashbangs, pepper spray, and rubber bullets.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton clarified that the “rubber bullets” were in fact foam baton rounds, adding that tactical police officers are trained in their use. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the right to protest but stressed the importance of doing so peacefully. “You can’t claim to oppose defence equipment by assaulting police officers. They are simply doing their job and should be respected,” Albanese told Channel Seven.
Australian media noted that this was the largest police operation in Melbourne since 2000, when the city hosted the World Economic Forum. The arms fair, touted as Australia’s largest defence expo, is expected to attract 1,000 exhibitors from 31 countries through Friday.
