Compsite image of people police want to speak to about the protests.
Police have released images of more people they want to speak to about the Land Forces protests. Image by HANDOUT/VICTORIA POLICE
  • civil unrest

Police appeals over ‘deplorable’ Land Forces protests

Caitlin Powell November 24, 2024

Victoria Police have made further appeals to identify more people over a violent protest outside a controversial weapons exhibition.

So far 110 people have been arrested over the Land Forces exhibition in Melbourne which prompted violent confrontations between anti-war protesters and police between September 11 and 13.

During the protests rocks, other projectiles, liquid which smelt of vomit, horse manure, eggs and liquid irritants were hurled at police officers, horses and expo attendees outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, police say.

A wooden pallette is set on fire during a protest
 Police circulated photos of those they wanted to speak to after officers and protesters were injured Image by Con Chronis/AAP PHOTOS 

Wheelie bins were set alight, horse manure, food-grade acid and glass bottles were hurled at police barricades.

At the time, 89 arrests were made and police circulated photos of those they wanted to speak to after numerous officers and protesters were injured.

In the last week, a 24-year-old Surrey Hill man was charged with obstructing and assaulting police and bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in January.

A 30-year-old Fawkner woman will be charged on summons with assaulting police.

Victoria police officers arrest a protester
 Two more men were arrested last week over alleged incidents at the protest. Image by HANDOUT/VICTORIA POLICE 

Police released images of a further 13 people on Sunday they allege are involved in multiple incidents during the protests, including an affray on Seafarers Bridge, paint thrown over officers and throwing coffee over a member of the public.

“The behaviour we saw during these protests was nothing short of deplorable,” said Mark Galliott acting assistant commissioner for North West Metro.

“While people have a right to protest peacefully, they do not have a right to unleash violence.”