Protestor arrested for offensive comments made at Palestinian rally

by GRACE JOHNSON

A 63-year-old man has been arrested after he allegedly made ‘offensive comments’ at the pro-Palestinian rally on Sunday. 

After extensive inquiries, police arrested the man in his home in Mount Druitt at 8pm last night and took him to the local police station, where he was charged for using offensive language in a public place. 

The man was given strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on November 15. 

The man was one of thousands to attend a pro-Palestine rally on Sunday 15 in Hyde Park in the wake of Hamas attacks the week before, and the genocidal retaliation from Israel ever since. 

More than 100 police officers were deployed on the day of the rally, but none used the “extraordinary powers” that had been granted to NSW Police just days before. 

Concerns about anti-Semitism have soared since pro-Palestine protesters were seen chanting anti-Semitic slurs outside the Sydney Opera House in anticipation of it being lit with the colours of the Israeli flag. Members of the Jewish community were warned by police and Jewish community organisations to stay away from the city for their safety. 

The Australian parliament has since united to condemn all forms of hate speech, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Prime Minister Albanese tabled a motion yesterday, which included the condemnation of hate speech, receiving 134 votes in favour and 4 against. 

Police are still investigating the allegations against the 63-year-old man for using offensive language at the rally.