'Clear attack on civil liberties': Land Forces protesters vow to fight charges in court

Dozens of protesters accused of violent clashes with police outside a controversial weapons exhibition have vowed to fight their charges.

Twenty-nine people faced Melbourne Magistrates Court today charged over three days of protests at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in September 2024.

It's alleged protesters threw rocks, projectiles, liquid which smelt of vomit, horse manure, eggs and liquid irritants at officers, horses and attendees of the Land Forces exhibition.

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Wheelie bins were also set alight, while horse manure, food-grade acid and glass bottles were allegedly hurled at police barricades.

Twenty-seven officers were injured and about 12 horses were exposed to various substances, police say.

More than 100 people were originally arrested over the clashes but prosecutors today confirmed about 50 will have their cases heard in court.

Two of the 29 accused who appeared on Tuesday had their charges withdrawn and struck out.

The remaining protesters will face contest mention hearings at Melbourne Magistrates Court in either February or March.

Among their charges are affray, intentionally obstructing an officer and animal abuse.

Before Tuesday's brief hearings, one of the accused protesters Jasmine Duff said they were confident they did the right thing.

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"It's a real indictment on social democracy in Australia because it's a clear attack on civil liberties," she told reporters.

"It's important that we defend the right to protest in this country and that's what we were doing."

Duff, the national convener of Students for Palestine, urged prosecutors to drop the charges against all of the accused.

"It's ridiculous to waste taxpayer money on intimidating students through pushing them through the court on charges that won't stack up," she said.

Protesters argued the weapons on display inside the Land Forces exhibition had been used on civilians in the Gaza conflict.

Police and political leaders at the time condemned the "disgraceful" actions and tactics used by activists.