Chaos erupted at Sydney's International Convention Centre on Tuesday as passionate pro-Palestine demonstrators breached security to disrupt the high-profile Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exposition.
The protest saw dozens of activists stream into the exhibition hall, where they confronted representatives from major defence companies including Thales, BAE Systems, and Lockheed Martin. Chants of "Free Palestine" and "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" echoed through the venue as security scrambled to contain the situation.
Targeting the Defence Industry
Organised by the Palestine Action Group Sydney, the demonstration specifically targeted companies allegedly supplying weapons to Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Protesters carried banners reading "Blood on your hands" and "Stop arming Israel," directly confronting exhibitors at their stands.
"We are here to expose the war profiteers who are making money from the genocide in Gaza," one organiser told the crowd. "These companies have blood on their hands, and we won't let them do business as usual in our city."
Security Breach and Police Response
The protest resulted in significant disruption to the defence exhibition, with security forces and NSW Police working to remove demonstrators from the premises. Videos circulating on social media show tense standoffs between protesters and security personnel within the exhibition halls.
Despite the confrontation, the protest remained largely peaceful, with no immediate reports of arrests or injuries. Exhibition organisers attempted to maintain business operations while security worked to contain the demonstration.
Growing Movement in Australia
This protest marks the latest in a series of actions targeting defence companies and government institutions across Australia. The movement has gained momentum in recent months, with activists vowing to continue disrupting weapons exhibitions and defence industry events.
"This is just the beginning," another protester declared. "We will continue to disrupt these murderous businesses until the arms trade with Israel stops completely."
The Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exposition is one of Australia's premier defence industry events, attracting military representatives, government officials, and defence contractors from around the region.
