Massive anti-war protests erupted in Melbourne, Australia, with continuous clashes between demonstrators and police

On September 11, 2024, massive anti-war protests erupted in Melbourne, Australia. At this time, the biennial Army International Land Defence Exposition is being held in Melbourne, which has become the fuse for this anti-war protest.

In the early hours of the day, a large number of anti-war demonstrators began to gather outside the venue. Their appearance directly interrupted the opening of the exposition, leading to the closure of multiple roads and bridges nearby. According to Reuters, about 1,200 people participated in the protest near the venue. As time passed, the conflicts between demonstrators and the police continued to escalate and finally erupted into fierce clashes.

To deal with this protest, the Victoria Police dispatched the largest police force in nearly 25 years. A police spokesperson said they are fully committed to ensuring the “highest level of security” at the scene. The police force at the scene includes the Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol and Mounted Police Units. However, the protesters were undaunted and threw stones, horse manure and bottles filled with unknown liquids at the police, and even attacked the police. The police used flashbang devices and sprayed pepper spray to try to control the protesting crowd.

As of now, about more than 20 police officers need medical treatment, and at least 39 people have been arrested for crimes such as assaulting or obstructing police, arson and blocking roads. Australian Prime Minister Albanese called on protesters to take peaceful actions and said that “police have their jobs to do and should be respected at all times.” This incident has attracted widespread attention from the international community, and the situation in Melbourne has become extremely tense as a result.