Potential clashes between anti-racism and anti-immigration rallies scheduled for March 17, 2024, could escalate into violence, warns a leading terrorism expert. The protests, linked to white-nationalist extremists and organized by the group March for Australia, are set to occur in major Australian cities, including Sydney and Melbourne. The gatherings aim to pressure the federal government to halt what they term “mass migration.”
Michael Zekulin, a terrorism researcher at the Australian National University, cautioned that heightened tensions could tear at the fabric of society. He noted that when individuals start blaming other communities for their problems, it can lead to dangerous confrontations. “If that starts to get out of hand, if there are confrontations, that can sort of feed into larger things as they pick up more momentum,” Zekulin stated in an interview with the Australian Associated Press (AAP).
In response to the anticipated protests, NSW Police plan to deploy up to 1,000 officers across the inner-city areas. Concurrently, Victoria Police will designate the Melbourne Central Business District as a controlled area, allowing them to search individuals for weapons and ask them to remove face coverings. These measures underline the seriousness with which authorities are treating the potential for violence.
Zekulin pointed out that social media has contributed to the spread of extremist views. “It’s very clear that these individuals travel in the same circles on the internet,” he explained. He highlighted how these groups often imitate one another’s actions, which could amplify tensions during the rallies.
Concerns have been raised by Indian migrant workers, who fear they may be targeted during the anti-migration demonstrations. The Albanese government has responded by affirming that there is “no place for hate in Australia.” While the coalition has called for unity and respect for diverse communities, it has also criticized reports suggesting that specific non-white ethnic groups could be targeted.
David Shoebridge, the Greens Immigration spokesperson, emphasized that anti-migrant rhetoric in both parliament and the media has contributed to the rise of extremist views. “We are in solidarity with every community that is targeted and concerned by these hateful rallies,” he stated, reflecting the broader sentiment against the upcoming protests.
As Australia braces for these potentially divisive events, the emphasis remains on maintaining peace and protecting the rights of all communities involved. The coming days will be crucial in determining how these rallies unfold and their impact on Australian society.
