UPDATE: A major pro-Palestinian rally is set to unfold at the Sydney Opera House, but it faces a fierce legal challenge from NSW Police. The Palestinian Action Group plans to gather up to 10,000 people on October 12, 2023, to mark the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks. However, police are taking action in the Supreme Court to prevent the event, citing serious safety concerns.
The rally, which will begin at Hyde Park and proceed through the CBD to the iconic Opera House forecourt, has ignited tensions amid conflicting views on public safety and the right to protest. Police assert that the venue cannot accommodate the expected crowd, warning of the potential for a “crowd crush.”
Amal Naser, a spokeswoman for the Palestinian Action Group, vehemently challenged these claims. “This is racist. It is outrageous and it will not silence us,” Naser stated. She emphasized that their rights to protest are protected under both international and domestic law. The activists accuse authorities of employing intimidation tactics against their movement, labeling the legal actions as a form of Islamophobia.
Peter McKenna, Assistant Commissioner of NSW Police, clarified their position, stating, “We aren’t anti-protest … it’s about public safety.” He further explained that the Opera House’s emergency regulations restrict its capacity to allow safe access for emergency services in case of incidents. “The Opera House is predominantly surrounded by water, and there are limited exits,” McKenna noted.
The planned protest mirrors a controversial event that occurred shortly after the initial Hamas attacks, where the Opera House was lit in the colors of Israel, igniting public outcry. That protest drew significant attention, with between 100,000 and 300,000 protesters marching across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in August, demanding urgent action for Palestinians.
Current negotiations between police and the Palestinian Action Group may lead to alternative routes for the march. McKenna indicated that the police would be “happy to facilitate” these discussions, potentially allowing the group to use routes previously employed in earlier protests.
Sue Higginson, a member of the NSW Greens, condemned the police’s legal action as “outrageous, extreme and racist.” She criticized the decision to pursue court proceedings as oppressive, arguing that the Palestinian Action Group is merely seeking to hold a vital event to commemorate the atrocities faced by Palestinians in Gaza.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on the upcoming court decision and the potential impact on the rally scheduled for next week. The clash between the right to protest and public safety concerns continues to unfold, raising questions about freedom of expression in Australia.
Stay tuned for updates as this critical story develops.
