NSW Police are concerned about the possibility of an unauthorised protest during a planned vigil on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks. The police and protesters reached an agreement on Thursday as the NSW Supreme Court was hearing a bid by police to stop protests scheduled for Sunday and Monday. Protesters decided to change their plans and hold a vigil instead of a sanctioned protest on Monday, agreeing to a new march route to avoid The Great Synagogue on Sunday. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb expressed hope that Monday’s vigil would remain peaceful and not turn into a protest.
Commissioner Webb emphasized the importance of the relationship between the police and the Palestine Action Group, stating that they had worked together for a year and hoped for a policeable, small vigil. Assistant Police Peter McKenna warned protesters to follow police instructions and stated that illegal behavior and anti-social activities would not be tolerated. While Sunday’s march is permitted to proceed after the Palestine Action Group agreed to certain conditions, Monday’s vigil does not have the same protection from summary offences, such as trespassing, due to the withdrawal of their application for a rally. Police will assess the situation on Monday and make decisions based on the circumstances at that time.
The Palestine Action Group agreed to conditions for Sunday’s march, including not displaying insignia associated with terror groups, to ensure public safety. However, there has been no negotiation with the organizers over Monday’s vigil, and police commanders on the ground will assess the situation and determine appropriate actions on the day. McKenna stressed the importance of not allowing any criminal or significantly anti-social behavior to occur during the events and stated that police would intervene if necessary. Police are prepared to crack down on any illegal activity or behavior that threatens public safety.
The NSW Police are hopeful that the vigils planned for the anniversary of the Hamas attacks will remain peaceful and not escalate into unauthorized protests. The agreement reached between the police and protesters allows for Sunday’s march to proceed under certain conditions, while Monday’s vigil does not have the same protection from summary offences. Police commanders will assess the situation on the day and take appropriate actions to ensure public safety and prevent any illegal behavior. Assistant Police Peter McKenna warned protesters against engaging in criminal activities or anti-social behavior and stated that the police would not hesitate to intervene if necessary.
Despite the agreement between the police and the Palestine Action Group, concerns remain about the possibility of unforeseen individuals causing disruptions during the events. Police Commissioner Karen Webb expressed hope that the organizers would uphold their commitment to a small, policeable vigil on Monday. The police are prepared to handle any interlopers or individuals who may attempt to disrupt the events for the wrong reasons. The focus remains on maintaining public safety and preventing any illegal behavior or activities that could pose a threat to the community. Authorities are ready to take action as needed to ensure that the vigils proceed peacefully and without incident.
In conclusion, the NSW Police are taking steps to address concerns about potential unauthorized protests during the vigils planned to mark the anniversary of the Hamas attacks. The agreement reached between the police and the Palestine Action Group allows for Sunday’s march to proceed under certain conditions, while Monday’s vigil does not have the same protection from summary offences. Police commanders will assess the situation on the day and make decisions accordingly to ensure public safety and prevent any illegal behavior or disruptions. While concerns remain about the possibility of interlopers causing issues during the events, the police are prepared to handle any such situations and maintain order throughout the planned activities. The focus remains on upholding the law, preventing criminal behavior, and ensuring that the vigils proceed peacefully and without incident.
