UPDATE: Pro-Palestinian protesters will march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge tomorrow after the NSW Supreme Court authorized the rally, rejecting police efforts to ban it. This urgent ruling comes amidst escalating humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where the United Nations has reported “worsening famine conditions.”
The court’s decision, made by Justice Belinda Rigg, was announced just hours ago, affirming that concerns about public safety and potential disruption were insufficient to prohibit the demonstration. Thousands are expected to participate in the protest organized by the Palestinian Action Group Sydney, which has received backing from numerous human rights and civil liberties organizations, as well as notable public figures including former Socceroo Craig Foster.
In her ruling, Justice Rigg emphasized the fundamental right to peaceful protest, stating, “It is in the very nature of the entitlement to peaceful protest that disruption will be caused to others.” This verdict grants participants legal immunity against charges like blocking traffic or obstructing pedestrians, marking a significant victory for protest rights.
NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson heralded the court’s decision as a triumph for humanity, declaring, “A protest being inconvenient does not mean it can be stopped. In fact, that’s the whole point of the protest.” She urged citizens to join the march, asserting that “tomorrow our iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and our humanity will speak to the world.”
Protesters will begin their march from the CBD and cross the bridge to North Sydney. In solidarity, similar demonstrations are being planned in Melbourne, where activists aim to rally through the city and reach the King Street Bridge.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by a recent poll, which revealed that over 60% of Australians desire tougher government actions to halt Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The YouGov survey, commissioned by the Australian Alliance for Peace and Human Rights, found that 61% of respondents believe Prime Minister Anthony Albanese‘s calls for a ceasefire are inadequate.
The poll also highlighted the devastating impact of ongoing conflict, with over 60,000 Palestinians reportedly killed, including more than 17,000 children, due to the Israeli blockade and military actions that began following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
With the rally set for tomorrow, all eyes will be on Sydney as activists prepare to voice their demands for humanitarian relief and justice in Gaza. Stay tuned for live updates as the situation unfolds.
