Police efforts to apprehend violent anti-war protestors have not deterred pro-Palestine advocates, who plan to bring their biggest ever crowd of demonstrators to Melbourne’s CBD this weekend.
Police today released new images of nine people as they continue to investigate violence at anti-war protests in Melbourne last month.
Several people attending the Land Forces Expo, held in the city’s convention and exhibition centre, were assaulted, along with 27 police officers who required medical treatment.
Police say rocks, projectiles, liquid that smelt strongly of vomit, horse manure, eggs and liquid irritants were hurled at officers and expo attendees.
A mounted officer had a full can of drink thrown at her head, while 12 horses were exposed to various sprays.
Today detectives released photos of eight men and a woman in the hope they can help with their enquiries.
Police are also hoping to identify another man after a council bin was set alight on Spencer Street.
An image of a man wearing a blue T-shirt has been released.
To date, 89 people have been charged or fined over the violent protests on Wednesday, September 11.
Further arrests are expected.
It comes as pro-Palestine demonstrators plan to forge ahead with a march on Sunday to mark the first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war.
It is expected to be the biggest demonstration Students For Palestine has held.
“It’s important that people continue to show up and stand up for Palestine, because so long as our governments support Israel militarily and economically, we will continue to see Israel feel confident to go after innocent civilian lives,” Students For Palestine’s Bella Beiraghi said.
“Where does it end. That’s my question. What will it take to actually get a military embargo on Israel?”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for calm and for Victorians not to attend Sunday’s rally, which is expected to begin at the State Library of Victoria at midday.
“[It is a] less than appropriate commemoration of the atrocity that occurred on October 7,” Albanese said.
Police say they will have a heavy presence at the event and any unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.
Victoria’s opposition is calling for police to be given heightened powers to deal with the crowds.
“My call today would be for the Victoria Police, through the government, to bring special powers in like they did for Land Forces, to ensure we don’t have the same events that have happened before,” opposition spokesperson David Southwick said.
Current protest laws prevent Victorian authorities from doing the same, because protests in Victoria do not require a permit to go ahead.
“Even if protests are inconvenient, they should never be allowed to be violent or hateful, so there’s more that can be done,” Opposition Leader John Pesutto said.
State government spokesperson Danny Pearson said he believes the government has “got the settings right here in Victoria”.