The NSW Police has made an application to the Supreme Court to prohibit pro-Palestine protests taking place on October 6 and 7.

The Palestinian Action Group (PAG) made NSW Police aware of the protests that were going to take place and submitted the essential forms to the commissioner.

NSW Police said in a statement that they are “not satisfied that the protest can proceed safely” and made an application to the Supreme Court.

“The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly; however, the first priority for the NSW Police Force is the safety of the participants and the wider community,” the statement said.

The PAG have criticised the police saying that it’s “an attack on fundamental democratic rights” to block their protests on October 6 and 7. Spokesperson for the PAG Amal Naser told The Guardian that the group opposes “this attempt to silence protests” and will still challenge.

“We intend on defending our right to protest and are determined to continue standing for justice for Palestine and Lebanon,” Naser said.

The NSW premier Chris Minns has backed the police’s decision to ban the protests.

“Police have made this decision … in line with crowd management and safety,” he said.

“We fully support the decision. Our priority must be community safety. It’s our responsibility to work together to ensure we keep this cohesive, harmonious, safe community that we have in New South Wales.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC Radio Melbourne that October 7 is not a time for protests, saying he is concerned about “social cohesion”.

“There certainly shouldn’t be any protests on October 7 because it would be seen, I think, as incredibly provocative. It would not advance any cause. It would cause a great deal of distress,” he said.

“I support the police in whatever action they’ve taken, but they take assessments independently of government based upon what they think is their assessment of keeping the peace and I think it’s an absolutely reasonable position for them to take.”

The court action comes after Hezbollah flags were seen at pro-Palestine rallies in Melbourne and Sydney last week, sparking debate over whether those displaying symbols can be prosecuted.

Photo: Pro-Palestine Rally at Sydney (21 October 2023) by Bookish Worm is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has been cropped for size.