Photo: Reuters Anti-war
protesters and police clashed outside a defence exhibition in the Australian
city of Melbourne on Wednesday, with police using tear gas, rubber bullets and
pepper spray on parts of the crowd.
Hundreds
of people gathered outside the venue hosting the biennial Land Forces
International Land Defence Exposition with many chanting pro-Palestine slogans
through loud speakers and waving Palestine flags, video showed.
Riot
squad officers and mounted police were seen trying to contain the protest
within barricades. Australian media reported it was the largest police operation
in Melbourne since 2000 when Australia's second-largest city hosted the World
Economic Forum.
Victoria
state police did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.
Police
have closed several major roads in the city and urged motorists to avoid parts
of the city. One protester climbed on top of a truck that was stopped at traffic
lights.
About
1,000 firms from 31 countries are expected to attend the event through Friday,
which the organisers said was Australia's largest defence expo.
Prime
Minister Anthony Albanese said people had the right to protest but had to do it
in a peaceful manner.
