NSW Police to Block Oct. 7 Pro-Palestinian Protests Due to Safety Concerns

Demonstrators hold flags and pictures of Hassan Nasrallah, late leader of the Lebanese group Hezbollah, at a protest rally in the central business district of Sydney, Australia on Sept. 29, 2024. Photo by Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images

New South Wales (NSW) Police has applied to court to block pro-Palestinian protests that have been planned in Sydney to coincide with the anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel.

The decision has received backing from politicians at the highest levels, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns.

In a statement, NSW Police said they were aware of the upcoming planned protest activities on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7.

“Officers from operation shelter have conducted negotiations with protest organisers, who did submit a form 1 for each proposed public assembly, but are not satisfied that the protest can proceed safely,” the NSW Police said.

“Accordingly, the Commissioner has decided to apply to the NSW Supreme Court to prohibit the two assemblies.”

NSW Police said while they support the rights of individuals and groups to exercise free speech and peaceful assembly, their priority is the safety of participants and the wider community.

The moves follow protesters displaying the flags of the terrorist group Hezbollah and allegedly chanting jihadist slogans on Sept. 29 in Sydney and Melbourne. This prompted Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to issue a deportation warning.

Political Support for Police Decision

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC radio there should not be any protests on Oct. 7 because it would be seen as “incredibly provocative.”

“It would not advance any cause. It would cause a great deal of distress,” he said.

Meanwhile, NSW Premier Chris Minns has also backed the decision, saying, “Police have made this decision about the form, one in line with crowd management and safety.”

“We fully support the decision. Our priority must be community safety. It’s our responsibility to work together to ensure we keep this cohesive, harmonious, safe community that we have in New South Wales,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, a newly established NSW Faith Affairs Council comprising leaders of multiple religions have released a statement urging compassion amid the events in the Middle East.

“We acknowledge the pain many in our community are feeling due to events in the Middle East. We implore those who are grieving to find solace in the compassion and understanding of others, and to refrain from any words or acts which promote hate and resentment or incite violence,” read the statement, which was shared by Multiculturalism Minister Steve Kamper.

“As people of faith, we recognise that our common humanity makes us one family, and we embrace each other as brothers and sisters.”

The faiths included Anglican, Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Islam, Baptist, Presbyterian, Islam and Sikhism.