Protests, police operation block traffic outside Land Forces expo
www.abc.net.au
Police and protesters have clashed outside the Melbourne venue where a major defence and weapons exhibition is being held. The deployment of extra police at the event is costing the government millions of dollars.

In short:

There have been clashes between police and a large group of protesters outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre where a major defence and weapons expo is being held.

Hundreds of officers have been called in for what Victoria Police say is their biggest operation since the S11 protests outside the World Economic Forum in Melbourne 24 years ago.

What’s next?

Police and protesters are expected to remain on scene in large numbers throughout the conference.

Live updates here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-11/live-blog-land-forces-protest-melbourne-israel-gaza/104333922

Capsicum spray, rubber bullets and tear gas have been used on parts of the crowd.

    • oahi
      23·
      3 months ago

      It’s really not appropriate for a politician, the police minister to boot, to be calling anyone an ‘idiot’ in the same breath as demanding respect for the police. It’s the sort of language I’d accept from a truck driver, not from a top politician.

      He is setting the tone of the discussion in an extremely problematic way by dehumanising/othering those desparately trying to stop lethal weapons sales used in crimes against humanity, while he normalises the gathering of war profiteers.

      I’m extremely disappainted by this government’s policing policy.