Image: Photo credit: James Bale
Democracy was put to the test yesterday when the NSW Police went to the State Supreme Court to ban planned protests this weekend in commemoration of one year since the October 7th attacks in Israel.
The proposed ban cited concerns for community safety that have arisen for the protests which have been a regular occurrence in our city this past year. A statement made by NSW Police yesterday concluded that despite negotiations with the protest organizers Palestine Action Group, the police force is not satisfied that the protests can be conducted safely, “The NSW Police Force recognizes and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly; however, the first priority for the NSW Police Force is the safety of the participants and the wider community”.
The proposal for a ban was backed by NSW Premier Chris Minns, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Support has arisen as a response to the arrest of a 19-year-old protestor carrying a flag that depicted symbolism of the terrorist group Hezbollah.
In response to the court hearing, members of both the Palestine Action Group and Solidarity Australia came together outside NSW Supreme Court to show solidarity for the defendants. The snap-rally attracted hundreds of people ranging from rally organizers, students and anyone else who expressed their support. A banner reading ‘ALBO-ACCESSORY TO GENOCIDE’ on the side of St James church hung high amongst the Palestinian and Lebanese flags, accompanied by chants such as “free free Palestine” and “stop arming Israel”.
The rally’s spokesperson made it clear that state and federal leaders support of the NSW police is an act of betrayal for not only protestors but those who are suffering in the Middle East, “We have seen in the past few weeks where the government, the police and the court’s priorities lie,” they said. “They have shown outrage over the signs and symbols bought to a protest, a protest which condemns the genocide that is happening in Gaza.” Speakers and key figures from both groups refused to speak with the media.
Many of the people present at the snap rally yesterday who plan to be at this weekend’s protests are not afraid of the legal implications that may face them, “this is something bigger than us and bigger than them. We may live after this weekend, but thousands will die overseas” one person said. Another person said, “this is our basic right to protest, and no court decision is going to take that away”.
The planned October 6 and 7 rallies are still set to go ahead, after the NSW Police removed their Supreme Court application but not their objections. Chris Minns has warned that the protests are not authorised, calling them “hugely insensitive” and having the potential to inflame tensions both in Sydney and abroad by holding a vigil on October 7.
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