Anti-war protesters in Australia clash with police outside a weapons convention

Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Anti-war protesters have clashed with police outside a military arms convention in the Australian city of Melbourne. Police say protesters hurled bottles, rocks and horse manure on Wednesday. Protesters also sprayed officers with liquid irritants, some of which had been identified as acid. Police retaliated with pepper spray, flash distraction devices and rubber bullets. These rounds are designed to inflict pain without penetrating the skin. At least 24 officers required medical treatment. Police have arrested 39 protesters. Around 1,800 police officers have been deployed to the convention center where the Land Forces International Land Defense Exposition is taking place until Friday.