Protests outside a weapons expo in Melbourne were met with heavy police presence as authorities denied protesters access to certain areas. The group attempted to circle the casino and get closer to the expo from the south, where they were met with searches and restrictions. One young man reported being searched three times in a short period, with police being aggressive and confrontational. Despite the tension, the protesters eventually dispersed around 11am.
On the other side of the police barrier, lobbyists, weapons makers, and military officials were attending the expo. The Australian Army’s symposium was a highlight of the event, with Chief General Simon Stuart emphasizing the need for a cultural transformation within the military. The scenes outside were relatively peaceful compared to the violence that erupted the previous day, with protesters throwing various objects at police and setting fires in bins.
Police defended their use of force on Wednesday, which included foam bullets, stun grenades, tear gas, and pepper spray to control the crowd. Protesters were pushed back to Spencer Street where they set fires and clashed with police. Some legal groups have challenged the police’s use of force, arguing that it infringed on human rights. The police union described the protests as some of the most violent in decades, with many protesters seemingly looking for a fight rather than standing for a cause.
Melbourne Activist Legal Support criticized police behavior as grossly excessive and likely infringing on human rights. The group noted that protester behavior escalated in response to police actions, and the use of force against entire crowds was unjustified. The Australian Democracy Network also expressed concern over the police’s use of dangerous weapons against protesters complying with orders. The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Co-operative raised serious concerns about police violence towards those exercising their right to protest.
Disrupt Land Forces, a conglomerate protest group leading the action, called for an end to weapons sales to Israel and an arms embargo. They criticized the police for their aggressive tactics during the protests, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets. Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell called for an independent inquiry into police behavior at the rally, particularly focusing on the use of pepper spray. The protests outside the weapons expo have highlighted tensions between authorities and protesters, raising questions about the use of force and the right to peaceful protest.
