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Police were pelted with rocks, horse manure and bottles filled
with liquid as they tried to protect attendees of the expo, some
of whom were assaulted by protesters, a Victoria state police
spokesperson said in a statement.
Two dozen police officers required medical treatment and 39
people had been arrested for offences including assaulting,
obstructing or hindering police, arson and blocking roads, Shane
Patton Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police told a press
conference.
Protesters lit fires in the street, disrupted traffic and public
transport, while missiles were thrown at several police horses
but no serious injuries were reported, police said.
Some police have been spat at by protesters, whilst other
officers have been sprayed with a liquid irritant, some of which
was identified as acid, Patton added.
"This is the type of disgusting behaviour that we saw today from
a group who were intent on confronting us," he said.
"If you wish to come and protest, do so peacefully. We will not
tolerate criminal behaviour."
About 1,200 people attended the protest outside the venue
hosting the biennial Land Forces International Land Defence
Exposition, authorities said.
Many chanted pro-Palestine slogans through loud speakers and
waved Palestine flags while others had signs and flags
representing other conflicts and causes, video showed.
Dumpsters were pushed towards police lines and one protester
climbed on top of a truck that was stopped at traffic lights.
Australian media reported it was the largest police operation in
Melbourne since 2000 when Australia's second-largest city hosted
the World Economic Forum.
About 1,000 exhibiting organisations from 31 countries are
expected to attend the event through Friday, which the
organisers said was Australia's largest defence expo.
Some attendees were doused in a red liquid by protesters, ABC
News reported.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said people had the right to
protest but had to do it in a peaceful manner.
"You don't say you're opposed to defence equipment by throwing
things at police. They've got a job to do and our police
officers should be respected at all times," Albanese told
Channel Seven.
(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Himani Sarkar and
Lincoln Feast)
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