Australian anti-war protesters on Thursday demonstrated for a second day in opposition to a navy, protection expo being held in Melbourne.
Activist teams – together with Extinction Rebellion and Students for Palestine – have united for the protest, which they stated was triggered by Canberra’s stance on Israel’s genocidal conflict on Gaza.
The protests continued regardless of not less than 33 individuals being arrested a day earlier once they clashed with police in opposition to the three-day conference, showcasing weapons and expertise from around the globe.
“We’re protesting to stand up for all those who have been killed by the type of weapons on display at the convention,” spokeswoman Jasmine Duff instructed The Age newspaper.
Local police, fearing crowds of as many as 25,000 protesters, had diverted assets from regional areas in anticipation – making it the pressure’s largest operation in 20 years.
But police stated only one,200 turned up Wednesday, lots of whom yelled at expo attendees earlier than clashing with police.
“Victoria Police is appalled at the behaviour of some of the protestors in attendance at the Land Forces protest in Melbourne’s CBD this morning,” the state police pressure stated in a press release.
Police stated that they had been “pelted” with bottles, rocks and horse manure whereas attempting to guard expo attendees, a few of whom had been additionally assaulted by protesters.
Protesters additionally sprayed officers with “a liquid irritant, some of which has been identified as acid,” police claimed.
Demonstrators set bins and wood pallets alight and fashioned a make-shift barricade, based on the media.
“Whilst we respect the right for individuals to protest lawfully, we will not tolerate the behavior of those who break the law,” police stated.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated individuals had a proper to protest, however he disagreed with violence.
“People have a proper to protest peacefully, however you do not say you are against defence tools by throwing issues at police.
“They’ve got a job to do and our police officers should be respected at all times,” he stated.
Source: www.dailysabah.com