Protesters and Police Clash at Melbourne Defense Expo

A rally at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday drew approximately 1,200 attendees, according to police estimates. The event turned violent as rubbish bins were set on fire, and police responded with pepper spray and dramatic arrests. The clash between anti-war protesters and police occurred outside the Land Forces International Land Defense Exposition, a defense exhibition that brought together defense experts from around the world. The event was the largest police operation in Melbourne since 2000, with police struggling to control the crowd of 1,200 people who attempted to block attendees from entering the exposition. The exhibition showcased military equipment, including heavy-duty trucks, semi-automatic guns, and other weapons.