Thu Sep 12 00:26:11 UTC 2024: ## Protests Against Land Forces Expo Continue in Melbourne, Despite Clashes and Arrests

**Melbourne, Australia** – A second day of protests against the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition saw demonstrators march through the city’s central business district (CBD), while police maintained a heavy presence around the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

The Land Forces expo, a three-day event attracting defence and weapons companies from around the world, has been met with fierce opposition from groups protesting against the arms trade and the violence in Gaza.

While Thursday’s demonstrations were largely peaceful, tensions remain high following violent clashes on Wednesday. Over 1,000 protesters engaged in confrontations with police, lighting fires, blocking traffic, and throwing projectiles. 42 protesters were arrested for offences including assault, arson, and blocking roadways. 27 police officers were injured in the unrest.

Victoria Police have extended an exclusion zone outside the MCEC, placing water-filled bollards on the Spencer St bridge. Protesters, blocked from approaching the venue, instead marched through Flinders St, chanting against arms exports and holding signs demanding an embargo.

Another group of protesters targeted the headquarters of Hanwha Defence Australia, a South Korean company awarded a $10 billion defence contract by the Victorian government. The contract subcontracts a significant portion of the work to Elbit Systems, an Israeli-based defence company.

Despite the escalation of tensions, Victoria Police reported a generally peaceful protest on Thursday, with only five arrests. One individual was apprehended for possessing a prohibited weapon, while another was found with a flick knife. Police also seized bottles of red paint, marbles, and rocks, which were allegedly intended to be used to obstruct police horses.

However, the violent nature of Wednesday’s protests has sparked calls for an independent inquiry into police conduct during the demonstrations. The Victorian Greens and legal groups have expressed concerns over the use of non-lethal ammunition and OC spray by police.

While the Police Association of Victoria is not opposed to an independent investigation, the Premier Jacinta Allan and the Minister for Police Anthony Carbines have condemned the behaviour of some protesters, calling their actions “disgraceful” and “exposed[ing] their motives.”

The protests highlight the deeply divided opinions surrounding the Land Forces expo. While some view it as a vital opportunity for the Australian defence industry, others see it as a symbol of militarism and violence. The debate over the event and the subsequent protests are likely to continue as the Land Forces expo concludes on Friday.

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