In a significant legal move, urgent action has been initiated in the Supreme Court to contest extraordinary police powers granted for the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Sydney on March 18, 2024. Authorities have advised residents to avoid the city as a high-security cordon is established, resulting in street closures, public transport diversions, and towing of vehicles in preparation for Herzog’s arrival.
New South Wales Police acting assistant commissioner Paul Dunstan indicated that residents should expect visible security measures, stating, “You will see motorcades. Obviously with the tensions associated with this visit, you will see additional numbers.” This heightened security comes in the wake of recent events, including a terror attack in Bondi, prompting an invitation from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for Herzog to meet with leaders and support victims’ families.
Protest Restrictions Spark Controversy
In response to the planned rally against Herzog’s visit, the Palestine Action Group has filed a legal challenge against Premier Chris Minns in the Supreme Court. The group criticizes the government’s imposition of protest restrictions, labeling them as “absolutely extraordinary and draconian powers to basically shut down our entire city.” Spokesperson Josh Lees expressed frustration over the situation, questioning the justification for such measures. “And for what? In the interest of parading out a war criminal to this country,” he added.
Authorities have suggested that protesters relocate to Hyde Park, which lies outside the designated area where marches are prohibited. This recommendation aims to mitigate potential clashes between police and protesters. The Palestine Action Group previously achieved significant mobilization, with over 100,000 participants in a march across the Harbour Bridge.
“We should have the right to protest,” Lees emphasized. “These streets of Sydney belong to the people of Sydney. They do not belong to the Israeli president or the Premier Chris Minns.” Legal documents totaling approximately 260 pages were submitted to the Supreme Court late on Sunday, seeking to prevent the enforcement of the protest restrictions.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Security Measures
Although a judge noted insufficient time to hear the case on Sunday evening, they are considering the possibility of convening an urgent Supreme Court session on Monday to assess the legality of the imposed restrictions. Meanwhile, security arrangements will remain stringent throughout Herzog’s visit, with rolling road closures and random inspection points set up across the inner city and eastern suburbs.
As part of these security measures, Phillip Street will be closed until Thursday, accompanied by surrounding no-go zones. Specific road closures are scheduled, including Campbell Parade in Bondi for a two-hour period on Monday and various closures near Darling Harbour from 17:00 to 22:00.
New South Wales Secretary of Transport Josh Murray advised commuters and city workers to avoid the area on the day of Herzog’s visit, stating, “If you can stay away tomorrow afternoon, it is best to do so.” As the situation develops, the focus remains on balancing security concerns with the rights of individuals to express their views in public spaces.
