Protest Clashes in Sydney

If you guys didn't know, the Muslim protests have occurred in Sydney as well. Luckily I wasn't there, but it was still pretty close. This is the email alert I got. Posting this more as a reference for my experience more than anything else. I'm shifting away from my American-ness and into my Asian-ness for the time being... x)

 - Incident: Protest violence
 - Date: Sept. 15
 - Location: US Consulate General; Hyde Park
 - Impact: Increased security, traffic disruptions, additional violence possible

Summary
Muslim demonstrators condemning a controversial anti-Islam film clashed with police near the US Consulate General in central Sydney during the afternoon of Sept. 15. At least one person was injured during the melee, in which protesters threw various projectiles at law enforcement officers, with police responding using pepper spray. Hundreds of protesters participated in the gathering, although it is unclear as yet how many of them were involved in violent acts.

The demonstrators have reportedly begun moving in the direction of Hyde Park, less than 0.5 km (0.3 miles) southeast of the consulate. Additionally, police have started assembling in the park. Local authorities expect the demonstration to continue at least into the small hours of Sept. 16. Expect heavy security in the area; additional violence could occur without warning.  Additional demonstrations near other US diplomatic offices in Australia over the anti-Islam film deemed insulting to the Prophet Muhammed cannot be ruled out.

Background and Analysis
This is the latest instance of violence to occur after news of the film "Innocence of Muslims" spread across the world. There have been intermittent clashes between security forces and protesters in Cairo, Egypt since Sept. 11. In Benghazi, Libya, assailants attacked the US Consulate, killing four US nationals, including US Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. Protesters have also attacked US diplomatic missions in in Sana'a, Yemen; Tripoli, Lebanon; Tunis, Tunisia; Khartoum, Sudan; Chennai, India; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Jerusalem, Israel.

The low-budget film depicts the Prophet Muhammed in a derogatory manner and has enraged Muslims across the world, with many calling on the US government to prosecute the filmmaker.

Advice
Avoid the area of the US consulate and Hyde Park until the situation stabilizes. Use caution near all US diplomatic facilities in Australia. Contact your respective facility prior to visiting to ensure continuing operations; diplomatic offices may close without warning due to security threats. Prepare for heightened security outside all US diplomatic facilities.