Anti-war protest erupts into chaos as activists try to blockade Sydney arms expo – with police scrambling to hold them back
Chaos has erupted outside a Sydney arms expo, where protesters have clashed with police.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour on Tuesday morning, where a heavy police presence scrambled to hold back the large crowds shoving the metal barricades.
Officers resorted to using pepper spray in an attempt to break up the crowd, forcing protesters to wash their eyes out with water.
Seven arrests have been made so far.
The fiery scenes unfolded as the three-day Indo Pacific International Maritime Expo kicked off.
Many in the crowd were pro-Palestinian supporters, including Palestine Action Group organiser Josh Lees.
‘War criminals not welcome here,’ protesters shouted.
‘Chris Minns, blood on your hands, Albo, blood on your hands’.
Hundreds of protesters have gathered outside the International Convention Centre (pictured), where the Indo-Pacific Weapons expo has kicked off
Police have made at least seven arrests so far
Protesters were doused in water after police used pepper spray on the large crowd
A protest organiser told the Today show: ‘We’re here to peacefully protest against a convention of war criminals.
‘The United Nations has found genocide in Gaza. This convention is a clear breach of international law.
‘Everyone knows that, the government knows it, and here they are going ahead with it anyway, with a thousand cops to protect the war criminals.’
The police operation remains ongoing.
‘Police will work with protesters to ensure there are no breaches of the peace and there is minimal impact to the community,’ a NSW Police statement read.
More to come.
A heavy police barricade remains in place
Many protesters had Palestinian flags and placards
