Anti-war protests turn violent at Australia's largest defence industry event

Anti-war

protests

in Melbourne,

Australia

turned into

violent

clashes with

police

on Wednesday, as demonstrators gathered outside the

Land Forces

International Land Defence Exposition. Australia’s largest defence expo event saw hundreds of protesters chanting pro-Palestine slogans and waving flags. At the same time, riot police used

tear gas

, rubber bullets, and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.

The protest is being described as the largest police operation in Melbourne since the 2000 World Economic Forum. Demonstrators, equipped with loudspeakers voiced their opposition to the defence exhibition. Officers and riot police attempted to control the situation behind barricades.
According to ABC News, some protesters threw dumpsters towards police lines, while others shouted at the event’s delegates. One protester climbed on top of a truck stopped at traffic lights.
The demonstration resulted in several arrests, with police detaining several protesters in handcuffs.

Several major roads in Melbourne were closed as a result of the protests, with police urging motorists to avoid the affected areas.
Australian Prime Minister

Anthony Albanese

addressed the situation, saying, "People have the right to protest but had to do it in a peaceful manner."
The Land Forces expo is set to run until Friday, with around 1,000 firms from 31 countries expected to attend.