Hundreds Protest NSW-Sponsored Sydney Weapons Expo Amid Security Clampdown

Hundreds of protesters have gathered at Darling Harbour's Tumbalong Park to oppose the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition, a three-day arms and maritime defense expo held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. The event, supported by the New South Wales government and sponsored by various defense and industry stakeholders including BAE Systems and the Royal Australian Navy, aims to facilitate discussions on maritime and naval defense technologies. Protesters, organized by the Palestine Action Group, denounce the expo as a convention of "war criminals," citing concerns over its association with militaristic agendas and conflicts, and referencing the United Nations' findings on genocide in Gaza. The City of Sydney recently passed a motion condemning the event, urging government officials to reconsider hosting such events that promote and profit from weapons of war. A heavy police presence, including mounted officers, has been deployed to ensure the event proceeds without disruption, resulting in several arrests. The protest reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the ethics of defense expos amid international conflict concerns.