URGENT UPDATE: Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Sydney Town Hall this evening, defying newly enacted anti-protest laws to voice opposition against a potential visit from Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Activists, responding to an invitation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, are threatening large-scale protests if Herzog arrives in Australia, amid heightened tensions following a devastating terrorist attack in December.
The gathering occurred on Friday evening as protesters expressed their anger not only at Herzog’s planned visit but also at the controversial laws passed in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack. These laws empower NSW Police to refuse authorization for protests in key Sydney areas, significantly restricting the right to assemble.
Adam Adelpour, a member of the group Stop the War on Palestine, addressed the crowd, declaring, “Isaac Herzog will not go anywhere in this country without massive protests.” He emphasized the protesters’ commitment to mobilize in numbers reflective of the serious allegations against Herzog, including accusations of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
“We won’t just assemble with far bigger numbers than this – we will assemble in numbers commensurate with the genocide he has carried out,” Adelpour stated, galvanizing the crowd’s resolve.
The protests come in the context of a United Nations commission of inquiry, which recently reported that Israel has committed acts of genocide against Palestinians. This report has intensified the emotional stakes for demonstrators, who view Herzog’s visit as a direct affront to their stance on human rights.
Despite the large turnout, the demonstrators adhered to police stipulations, remaining static and avoiding their usual march through the city streets. NSW Police confirmed that one individual, a counter-protester, was arrested for breaching the peace but was later released without charge. Three others were spoken to by officers but left the scene without further incident.
As tensions escalate, legal challenges to the anti-protest laws are mounting, with critics arguing that these regulations infringe upon the implied freedom of speech. Legal experts are closely monitoring the situation, given the laws allow declarations limiting protests for up to three months following any declared terror event.
“We are all the defenders of our democracy … we will not let (NSW Premier) Chris Minns steal our democracy,” warned Greens MP Sue Higginson, rallying support among protesters.
The backdrop to these protests is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which erupted on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and the taking of around 250 hostages by Hamas fighters. Israel’s subsequent military actions have led to the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, sparking global outrage and accusations of war crimes, which Israel continues to deny.
This situation is developing rapidly, and further demonstrations are expected as activists prepare for the possibility of Herzog’s visit. Observers are urged to stay tuned for updates, as the potential for significant unrest looms over Sydney.
As protests continue to unfold, the implications for civil rights and international relations are profound, making this a critical moment for both Australia and the global community.
