NSW Police are working to ensure that a planned vigil does not turn into an unauthorised protest during the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks. Their efforts come in the midst of a NSW Supreme Court hearing, where police attempted to prevent protests scheduled for Sunday and Monday. However, protesters decided to abandon their plans for an official protest on Monday and instead opt for a vigil. They also agreed to alter their march route to avoid The Great Synagogue on Sunday. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb expressed hope that the vigil on Monday would not escalate into a protest and praised the organisers of the Palestine Action Group for working with the police for a year.
Karen Webb and Assistant Police Peter McKenna have emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety during the events. McKenna warned that police would not tolerate illegal behavior or anti-social activities and would act swiftly if necessary. Despite agreeing to conditions set by the police, including refraining from displaying insignia linked to terror groups during Sunday’s permitted march, the Palestine Action Group withdrew their application for a rally on Monday. This decision means they will not be protected from summary offences like trespassing, and police may intervene to prevent protesters from marching through the streets. McKenna stated that decisions regarding police intervention would be made by commanders on the ground, based on the situational assessment at the time.
The police are prepared to crack down on any potential disruptions or unlawful activities that may occur during the vigil and march. While the Palestine Action Group has cooperated with authorities, there is still concern about the potential for unwanted individuals to join the events for the wrong reasons. Sunday’s march is expected to proceed as planned, as long as the conditions agreed upon by the organizers are upheld. However, police have not engaged in negotiations for Monday’s vigil and will assess the situation on the day to determine the appropriate response. McKenna emphasized that officers would act decisively if faced with public safety threats or criminal behavior during the events.
The ongoing collaboration between the police and the Palestine Action Group reflects a year-long effort to establish a working relationship and mitigate potential tensions during sensitive events like the anniversary of the Hamas attacks. By reaching agreements on march routes, display restrictions, and other conditions, both parties are striving to ensure a peaceful and lawful environment for the planned activities. The police are committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting public safety while respecting the rights of individuals to express their views through peaceful demonstrations. As the vigil and march approach, the authorities will remain vigilant and ready to intervene if necessary to maintain order and prevent any disruptions that may arise during the events.
