PM slams heckling at Anzac Day event

Australia’s prime minister condemned heckling and booing yesterday at two solemn Anzac Day commemorations as “low cowardice’, warning that those responsible would “face the full force of the law”.

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Anzac Day originally marked the ill-fated World War I landing of Australia and New Zealand Army Corps troops at Gallipoli, in what is now Turkey, in 1915.

Facing dug-in German-backed Ottoman forces, more than 10,000 Australian and New Zealand servicemen were killed in the Allied expedition. This year commemorates the 110th anniversary of the landing.

Anzac Day now also honours Australians and New Zealanders who have served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Large crowds gathered across cities and towns in both countries just before dawn to pay their respects.