Following the backdown by Police and government authorities, major protest rallies against the year long genocide in Gaza and widespread killings in West Bank and Lebanon will go ahead in Australian cities in general and in Sydney and Melbourne in particular during this long weekend.
In a joint media release from NSW Police, NT Police, Queensland Police, South Australia Police, Victoria Police, WA Police, Tasmania Police and the AFP, the forces stated police respect the right to peacefully protest however there will be “no tolerance for illegal behaviour or violence on any day of the year”.
The NSW Police’s decided to withdraw its application to the Supreme Court to prohibit this Sunday’s Sydney Palestine rally after successful negotiations with the protest organiser, the Palestine Action Group Sydney, resulting in Sunday’s rally being permitted along an amended route, and Monday’s vigil proceeding without the need for a permit.
Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) said that this is an excellent outcome for the democratic right to protest, and for the Palestinian solidarity movement in general.
“This outcome underscores the resilience of grassroots activism and reaffirms the fundamental principle that the right to protest is essential and must not be compromised by political agendas.”
“This is particularly the case as the one-year anniversary of Israel’s genocide in Gaza approaches, and Australian Government action to help end this genocide and Israel’s escalating violence across the Arab world grows ever more critical.”
“APAN applauds the community’s unwavering commitment to peacefully and powerfully advocating for justice for Palestine.”
APAN President Nasser Mashni, “The withdrawal of the ban on this rally is not just a victory for the Palestinian solidarity movement; it is a resounding affirmation of our fundamental right to protest, especially as the Australian community stands against Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.”
He further added, “This outcome is a testament to the strength of grassroots activism and negotiation, proving that when communities unite for justice, their voices cannot be silenced by political manoeuvring.”
“As we approach the grim anniversary of Israel’s brutal genocide in Gaza, it is imperative that we rally together, unflinchingly demanding accountability and action from the Australian Government to end this rogue state’s atrocity crimes,” Mr Mashni concluded.
No, it’s to get your photo taken and stored for later