Woman chained to car as anti-war protestors rally against Melbourne weapons expo
A woman has chained herself to the back of a car as police prepare for anti-war protesters’ tensions to flare on the final day of a controversial weapons expo.
Rally organisers are expecting “significant protest activity” on Friday, as the Land Forces weapons expo winds down in Melbourne following days of unrest.
Before 9am, one female protester affixed herself to the back of a hatchback after it appeared she chained herself to the inside the vehicle, ABC reported.
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The Spencer Street bridge remains blockaded with dozens of police present.
Protest organiser Caroline Da Silva said “there will be renewed vigour to protest because it’s the last day”.
“It’s our last chance to show these weapons companies that they’re not welcome here,” she said.
The first day of the expo on Wednesday descended into violence and chaos after wheelie bins were set alight and horse manure, food-grade acid and glass bottles were hurled at police barricades.
Riot officers returned fire on the 1500 demonstrators with rubber bullets, tear gas and flash-bang devices, leading to 42 people being arrested.
But scenes were more subdued on Thursday, as a few hundred protesters marched towards the convention centre before dispersing.
They later regrouped outside the Bourke Street offices of defence contractors Hanwha Defence and Elbit Systems to oppose deals between the companies and governments, blocking access to cars and trams.
Protesters say weapons on display inside the expo have been used on civilians in the Gaza conflict.
Police and political leaders condemned the “disgraceful” actions and tactics used by activists, labelling them “thugs”.
Police Commissioner Shane Patton lashed out at “hypocritical” protesters, warning the largest deployment of officers in two decades would be prepared for any event for the conference.
Mr Patton’s denunciations have not deterred activists, with Ms Da Silva vowing the demonstrators were “here for the long haul”.
“A bit of police spray, some rubber bullets - those things are harmful - but they don’t do anything to alter our conscience,” she said.
