Skip to main content
Australian police launch brutal crackdown on thousands of anti-war protesters
A protester gestures to Victorian police at an anti-war protest outside a military arms convention in downtown Melbourne, Australia, September 11, 2024

AUSTRALIAN police launched a brutal crackdown today on thousands of anti-war protesters outside a weapons convention in Melbourne.

About 1,800 police were deployed and used pepper spray, flash distraction devices and rubber bullets on protesters outside the huge biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition.

At least 39 people were arrested for offences such as assault, arson and obstruction after exchanges during which the police accused the protesters of hurling bottles, rocks and horse manure. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
An Indian soldier drinks water as he guards after India and Pakistan reported no incidents of firing overnight, in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, May 12, 2025
World / 12 May 2025
12 May 2025
US President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025
International Trade / 11 May 2025
11 May 2025