Anti-Israel protesters – including those who absolutely support Hamas and their atrocities – have caused chaos in Melbourne, because it is a day ending in “y” (incidentally, just like the word that describes them best: shitty).
Their excuse this time was the Land Forces International Land Defense Exposition, an industry-only trade expo for the defense sector.
Before it started, the protesters announced their intentions clearly:
“So we’re going to be having a blockade, we’re going to be disrupting people coming and going from this convention,” spokesperson Jasmine Duff told the ABC.
leading to this reaction from Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy:
“To demand that people be arrested by citizens is implying violence against people going about their lawful business – I know these people talk about ethics and morals, well I think it’s ethical to supply the brave sailors, soldiers and aviators of the Australian Defense Force.”
Hundreds of police officers from regional Victoria, as well as specialist officers from interstate, were called in to help maintain peace and security – at a cost of $10 million to the taxpayer.
And they were needed.
The protesters did not just block entrance to the building; they also blocked traffic (causing major traffic delays on main roads), pushed garbage bins and witches hats into the road, started fires,
vandalized local businesses,
toppled signs, damaged nearby hotels, pelted police and their horses with missiles including bottles filled with liquid, rocks, tomatoes, and horse manure,
attempted to seize the reins of the horses, threw water bottles at horses (one horse was hit in the head), spat at police, and sprayed them with irritant. Twenty-four police officers reportedly required medical treatment.
Protesters also mobbed and manhandled journalists on the scene:
Attendees also faced despicable violence from the “peaceful” protesters. Some were doused in a red liquid and had bottles hurled at them. Others were body-blocked by the protesters, who threw water at them while shoving them back. Several protesters grabbed hold of one man’s backpack and dragged him backwards as he was walking in. Others approached a pair walking inside and pushed them back, yelling in their face and herding them backwards until they were forced to quickly leave the scene.
Organizers also urged protesters to conduct “citizen’s arrests” on high profile figures attending the expo, including former politician Christopher Pyne, as well as other defense industry leaders.
Speaking of arrests, Victoria Police so far arrested 33 people for various offences, including: assault police, obstruct police, hinder police, assault, arson and blocking roadways.
Here is some of the reporting from the scene, which gives you more of an idea just how rabid these protesters are:
By the way, when I say there were protesters who support Hamas and their atrocities, I have the receipts:
Naturally, Nasser Mashni is all for it:
Meanwhile, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the protesters:
while Tom Elliot of 3AW had this to say:
I hope more and more people now understand how these people are trying to emulate the shittiness of those they claim to support.
