Fiery protests and a heavy police presence marked the opening of the world's largest arms fair in London on Tuesday, creating a stark contrast between the business of war inside the Excel centre and the rage on the streets outside.
Protesters, determined to disrupt the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, ignited piles of tyres, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky near the venue in Docklands. The act was a symbolic attempt to block access for delegates attending the controversial event.
Metropolitan Police officers, clad in riot gear, formed cordons and confronted demonstrators in tense standoffs. The scene was one of chaos and determination, with activists employing tactics to halt the proceedings of what they label a "bazaar of death."
A Global Gathering for Defence
Inside the sprawling exhibition halls, a different kind of spectacle unfolded. Representatives from militaries and governments worldwide, including numerous authoritarian regimes, browsed the latest innovations in weaponry, surveillance technology, and security equipment.
The event serves as a major marketplace for the global defence industry, with billions of pounds in contracts discussed behind closed doors. The juxtaposition of commerce inside and fiery dissent outside painted a powerful picture of the deep divisions surrounding the arms trade.
A History of Controversy
The biennial DSEI exhibition has long been a flashpoint for protest groups and human rights organisations. Critics argue that the event facilitates the sale of arms to countries with poor human rights records, fuelling conflicts and oppression around the globe.
This year's demonstrations appear to be among the most vehement, with activists vowing to continue their efforts throughout the week-long event. The London Met Police have implemented a significant operational plan to both facilitate the legal protest and ensure the exhibition can proceed.
