Twelve people have been charged following a pro-Palestinian protest at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney. The protest, organized by the Palestine Action Group, targeted Israeli defence contractors exhibiting at the event.
Police and demonstrators clashed outside the Sydney International Convention Centre early Tuesday morning. Officers deployed pepper spray multiple times, and two police officers were injured, including one with a laceration to his nose. Police reported that paint was thrown at officers during the melee.
Among those charged, a 27-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were charged with assaulting police and refused bail. A 28-year-old man was granted conditional bail. All others received conditional bail and will appear in court at later dates.
Palestine Action Group organizer Josh Lees described the protest as peaceful, accusing police of attacking demonstrators. In contrast, NSW Police Superintendent Paul Dunstan said the group's actions were disappointing and damaged goodwill built over two years.
NSW Premier Chris Minns defended the expo, stating defence industries are a vital part of the state's economy, worth $3.4 billion last year. He emphasized that exhibitors are not selling nuclear weapons and that the industry should grow.
