New South Wales’ highest court has ruled in favour of police, prohibiting a planned pro-Palestine march to the Sydney Opera House on safety grounds.
The Palestine Action Group (PAG) had expected up to 40,000 participants and proposed dividing the crowd into smaller groups, but police argued the plan had “disaster written all over it” due to limited exit points and crowd crush risks. The NSW Court of Appeal agreed, saying the potential danger to participants and the public was “extreme” and that it would be “irresponsible” to allow the event to proceed despite its political significance. The ruling means attendees would lose legal immunity for offences such as obstructing roads and could face contempt of court for defying the prohibition.
In response, organisers announced a new route from Hyde Park to Belmore Park and called on NSW Premier Chris Minns to light the Opera House in Palestinian colours instead.
Police Association Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said “common sense prevailed” and urged protesters to comply with the modified plan. The judgment also confirmed that a prohibition order does not just remove legal protections—it outright bans the event. Police stressed the need to prevent a tragedy similar to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, while Jewish community leaders welcomed the decision, saying it would help ensure public safety and reduce tensions.
Image credit: Susan Kuriakose
As long as no one is preventing them from protesting, I see no issue here. Safety is always a concern and that area is far from ideal, having lived in Sydney for many years myself.
Look at what they have done to Simeon Boikov, better known as ‘The Aussie Cossack’…!
Didn’t he receive Russian citizenship…maybe there now? I certainly wouldn’t blame him. Australia is a globalist police state like the UK.
This decision only delays the inevitable fallout from the genocide that Israel is committing against the people of Palestine. That crime on humanity is real. Jews all over the world are feeling the repercussions. For many it must be an insane “Back to the Future” feeling, witnessing a holocaust, this time real and broadcast live.