Protesters clash with police at Australia defense show

CNN — 

Dozens of people have been arrested after clashes between police and protesters outside a major defense expo in Australia on Wednesday, during which police fired rubber bullets at demonstrators and both sides accused the other of violence.

Video from the scene showed protesters setting fire to trash cans and throwing projectiles at officers as they struggled to restore order at the Land Forces international exposition in downtown Melbourne.

The three-day event brings defense experts from around the world and showcases military equipment, heavy-duty trucks, semi-automatic guns and other weapons.

The protests come at a time when heightened tensions sparked by global conflicts have deepened public anger in many countries towards the arms industry and its profits.

Victoria Police had expected protests and deployed more than 1,000 officers to the event in their biggest planned operation in 24 years.

When protesters arrived Wednesday, rows of officers were already guarding the exhibition center ready to repel any attempt to interfere with the event.