Thousands of anti-war activists disrupt gun fair as Melbourne prepares for biggest protest in decades | Protest

Some 25,000 protesters are set to cause chaos in the run-up to Melbourne’s gun fair, with some already vandalising hotels and blocking traffic.

Interstate police have been called in to maintain law and order ahead of what could be the largest protest in Victoria since the chaos surrounding the World Economic Forum in 2000.

More than 100 people were arrested at the rally, an event that was unusual in Melbourne at the time.

The protests began earlier than expected on Friday evening, despite the Land Forces expo not starting until Wednesday.

Hotels in Melbourne were defaced with red paint and traffic was blocked during protests on Saturday.

On Sunday morning, a small group of Extinction Rebellion protesters blocked Montague Street, near the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre where the expo is being held.

Victoria Police said on Sunday they will have a significant presence during and in the lead-up to what will be their largest operation in decades.

Hundreds of police officers have been called out of the area to provide support, and many officers can be seen in and around the building, including at all entrances and exits.

Police have also erected a steel ring around the event, which is expected to attract around 25,000 activists.

The fence has now been covered with tarpaulins, making it difficult to see what is happening inside.

Under anti-terrorism legislation, the police will be given more powers to search people and vehicles in the vicinity of the event.

Previously held in Brisbane, the biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Expo attracts hundreds of defence personnel from around the world to a display of weapons and technology.

More than 800 national and international companies and leading organizations participate.

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Military tanks, heavy trucks and semi-automatic guns will be on display during the three-day event. At least one military tank will be discreetly delivered in the dead of night on Saturday at 3am.

Students for Palestine and Disrupt Wars plan to block the opening of the congress on Wednesday, saying they have already stopped the delivery of weapons during a “peaceful blockade” on Saturday.

Bella Beiraghi, co-chair of the Blockade, said anti-war activists would flood Melbourne ahead of the expo.

“Young people from across the country are flocking to Melbourne on Wednesday to block the opening ceremony of the Land Forces Congress because we stand against the death and destruction caused by the violence of war,” she said.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines warned that those planning to cause trouble at the South Wharf event would be dealt with to the full force of the law.

“If you come to town to cause trouble … if you come here to be an idiot, Victoria Police will deal with you swiftly,” Carbines told reporters on Sunday.

Interstate police will be on the scene early this week to bolster police efforts.

Mayor Nicholas Reece urged protesters and Melbourne residents in the city to remain calm.

He said Melbourne has a good reputation for hosting major events and this would also be the case during the gun show.