[Jan Fisher]

Anti-war protestors got a bit feisty in Melbourne yesterday.

For a group looking for peace, they sure decided to choose violence.

They were a bit worked up about a weapons expo at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre (AKA Jeff’s Shed) and let their feelings be known.

According to News.com, protesters clashed with police outside the centre, “throwing horse manure and rocks, while officers made arrests and swung batons in efforts to subdue tensions”.

I’m yet to know of one example where swinging batons ‘subdued tensions’, but maybe I live a sheltered life.

In case you are wondering, there were police horses at the protest and they used their poo, protestors didn’t bring their own.

Police were duly outraged, pepper spray was used, a few protestors were arrested and it was all done and dusted by 1pm.

I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of outrage from both sides, but for me, our right to protest should be enshrined in law.

You may not agree what they are protesting about today, but sometime in the future, or your grandchildren’s future, an issue will come along where the only way to get people’s attention will be public protest. Long may it live.

What do you think, did yesterday’s protest go too far? Should we be able to protest?

[mahamelb]

I believe that any student caught protesting using this type of violence or wearing masks should be expelled from the university. Protest peacefully by all means but this thuggery has to be dealt with in the strongest way. Also anyone caught who is not an Australian citizen need to be sent back to where they came from. As the police commissioner said ‘ hypocrites all of them’ coming from war torn countries for a new life, then continue with the violence here.

[dee]

People do have a right to protest but do not have the right to riot and commit violence against animals or people. Acid was thrown at police as well as other projectiles like rocks, fires were lit. There should be some boundaries with time limits, where the protest will be held. Frequency of protests. Emergency vehicles and personnel should not be obstructed as well as the general public. How about the protestors sharing the love by protesting at the Iranian, Chinese and Russian embassies. They are the most prolific arms dealers in the world arming many terrorists groups in the world.

[djk1937]

If the police need to use batons then clearly they haven’t been trained effectively in crowd control. I am not commenting on who is right or wrong in this, I am commenting on what I believe that I don’t believe that swinging batons will ever ‘subdued tensions’. If “Police were duly outraged” then again they have failed to maintain detachment and are no longer effectively serving the community. Having witness numerous instances where police behave less than ethically, I am not surprised they would come out swinging batons if they were enraged. Of course throwing horse manure, the protestors need to find a more effective way to protest!
The author is correct we need the right to protest especially given the appalling treatment that organisations and governments inflict on people, especially the most vulnerable in society, it is just shameful that in some instances there isn’t more awareness of the abuse.

[Curious]

Yesterday’s protest leaves me thoroughly ashamed to mention I’m Australian. The protesters display the low life, scumbag tactics I’d expect from a 3rd world country where weapons are scarce. Who in their right mind fills bags with human vomit and throws them at police, as well as horse manure. No animal would consider even shooting it faeces or vomiting on its opponent during an altercation. Our country is filled with WOKE students and others not fit to have citizenship. Disgusting, low life, pathetic behaviour. What have we raised? God help this country! Our police are far to tolerant. If someone threw puke or feaces at me I may use more than a baton, that’s why I could never be a policeman. Bring on the Capsicum spray by the lorry load!!!

[AL de la Harpe]

I think these students should be expelled from the school or university they attend, charged and jailed, not fined. They should have a record so that any future character checks show their deplorable behavior.

[ronloby]

Lock all the idiots up for a couple of years. That might change their minds about being so destructive while protesting.

[Charles Hunt]

If they throw horse manure and rocks, they should be lined up and have horse manure and rocks thrown at them.

[Mocha]

Peaceful protests, yes, as long as it doesn’t interfer with other commuters trying to get to work. But this rabble the other day, and how many other days have they protested, are an unauthorized mob of dissidents. The police started wielding batons after the horses were attacked by so called protesters. This rabble need to be dispersed quickly as they don’t care who they attack if you don’t agree with their agenda. This will continually get worse, as it is in the UK.

[Author]

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