Melbourne protests: Police arrest up to 39, say protesters threw acid, spat at them in violent anti-war rally

Victoria’s police chief has accused “hypocritical” protesters of throwing acid, rocks and manure at officers, and targeting horses during a violent and chaotic anti-war demonstration in Melbourne that culminated in 39 arrests.

Thousands of protesters who gathered outside the Land Forces international exposition at the Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday were met with the biggest Victorian police operation in more than 20 years.

Police say at least 24 officers from Victoria and interstate needed medical treatment after mounted officers and the riot squad were shoved, pelted with projectiles, liquid containing acid, beer bottles, and even horse manure as protesters chanting pro-Palestine slogans and “This is not a police state” breached lines in violent tussles.

Activists attempted to block multiple entrances to the building, lit rubbish bins on fire, and threw eggs and yelled “war pigs” at the event’s attendees.

Protesters have also been accused of targeting at least five trucks, with the Container Transport Alliance Australia alleging they cut airlines between the prime movers and their trailers while stopped at major intersections.

In response, police deployed pepper spray, used rubber bullets and flash distraction devices.

While crowds had thinned out by lunchtime, activists vowed to keep up their protest action over the expo’s next two days amid claims they had been “brutalised” by police.

Victorian Police Commissioner Shane Patton labelled the group “hypocrites” for subjecting police to a “whole range of vitriol and abuse”, despite being there to protest violence.

“(Police) were assaulted, they were shoved, they had bottles thrown at them, they had balloons thrown at them that had different liquids in them,” he said.

So far, 39 people have been arrested for assaulting and obstructing officers, arson attacks, and blocking roadways.

Hundreds of regional police officers had travelled to Melbourne for the event, which Victoria Police had flagged would be their most significant operation in two decades at a cost of more than $10 million.

Mr Patton said protesters had lit bins on fires; hit officers with rocks, beer bottles and cans of baked beans; while others had targeted police horses.

“I’m told a number were punched... And some officers have said they actually had faeces thrown at them. We’re still trying to establish that to be the case, but we know horse manure was thrown at officers,” he said.

In an earlier statement, police said protesters had thrown missiles at some horses.

Mr Patton said he was proud of the way police had conducted themselves in the face of such violence, and argued officers had used “restraint”.

“There was an element of planning in this. We have been saying for weeks that we knew these numerous different issue motivated groups have been planning and have intended to come here to confront police, to try and heighten the publicity for their cause,” he said.

“When you’re using a low-level acid, albeit if it’s only creating irritants... that is appalling behaviour. It’s behaviour that we will try and hold as many people to account for as we can.”

With the expo continuing Thursday and Friday, Mr Patton said police were urging protesters not to return.

“But if they do, and they come in and they do so peacefully, then happy days. But if they break the law, we will hold them to account,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier urged protesters to remain peaceful.

“People have a right to protest peacefully. But you don’t say you’re opposed to defence equipment by throwing things at police,” he said.

“They’ve got a job to do … and our police officers should be respected at all times.”

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said protesters who had threatened police and the safety of the community “will be dealt with”.

“There is the right to protest peacefully, of course, but (not) to behave in such a disgraceful way towards members of Victoria Police who are there doing their job, who are there to protect community safety,” she said, thanking officers for doing their job.

“They deserve to be treated with respect.”

The expo plays host to senior international military, defence, government, and industry delegations.

Organisers said more than 50 groups had come together to protest the weapons expo.

Disrupt Land Forces spokeswoman Jamine Duff said the protest had been triggered by the Federal government’s ongoing stance on the Middle East conflict.

“We’re protesting to stand up for all those who have been killed by the type of weapons on display at the convention,” she said.

“Many of the weapons inside the convention centre are advertised as battle-tested. In the context of Israeli weapons firms, which are present, this means tested through killing civilians in Gaza.”