Arms expo protests expected to continue after 12 charged in Sydney

More protest activity is expected to disrupt the Sydney CBD today after 12 people were charged yesterday in a demonstration against a major weapons expo.

The protesters kicked off early yesterday morning in Darling Harbour's Tumbalong Park, across from the International Convention Centre where the three-day Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition was being held.

There was a heavy police presence throughout the day, including the dog squad, riot squad, and mounted police, while several clashes with protesters took place during the day.

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Police said two public demonstrations were planned at the location.

At about 6.30am, a group of protesters allegedly left the designated demonstration area and attempted to access a restricted area.

At about 8.30am, a group of protesters allegedly advanced towards officers from within the designated demonstration area and tried to breach the containment line.

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At about 10.45 am, police allege some protesters threw red paint at officers.

At about 11.20 am, the group marched from Darling Harbour, through the CBD to Town Hall, where they dispersed.

It's believed about 200 protesters assembled originally.

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Many of the protesters waved Palestinian flags, while one organiser, Josh Lees from the Palestinian Action Group, said the expo was for "Israeli companies that have killed over 70,000 people in Gaza".

Other protesters claimed they had been set upon by police without warning, including being hit with capsicum spray.

Police acknowledge the deployment of capsicum spray, but alleged protesters had initiated the clashes.

In all, 15 protesters were arrested and 12 have now been charged, while two officers were injured - one with a cut to the face and another who had paint thrown in his eye.

Two of the arrested protesters were released without charged, while a third, a 33-year-old man, was released without charge pending further inquiries.

A 27-year-old man was charged with not complying with police orders and assaulting police. He was refused bail and will appear in court today.

A 26-year-old woman was charged with four counts of assaulting police. She was refused bail to appear in court today.

A 26-year-old man was charged with resisting or hindering police and refusing to comply with police orders. He was bailed to attend court on December 3.

A 28-year-old man was charged with assaulting police. He was bailed to appear in court on December 11.

Four people – three men aged 20, 28 and 34, and a 24-year-old woman – were charged with not complying with police orders. All four were bailed and remain before the courts.

Two men, aged 23 and 34, and a woman aged 32, were charged with hindering police. All three were bailed to appear in court on December 11.

And a 33-year-old man was charged with using offensive language in a public place. He was bailed and will appear in court on December 11.

The police operation at Darling Harbour will continue for the next two days before the expo wraps up.

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