Amidst rising tensions, New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns has invoked special powers to restrict protests during the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, citing concerns over potential conflict. However, a group of 13 state and federal NSW MPs has penned an open letter to Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, urging him to collaborate with protest organizers to facilitate a planned assembly and march from Town Hall to the state parliament. Several MPs have pledged to join the protesters, accusing the premier of attempting to discredit peaceful protests as 'inconvenient and illegitimate' by invoking special powers.
Herzog's five-day visit to Australia, which begins on Monday, includes meetings with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Jewish leaders, and victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack and their families. The NSW government has declared the president's visit a 'major event', granting police the authority to implement additional measures for crowd management, separation between groups, and reducing the risk of confrontation in busy areas. Despite this, the government assures that these arrangements do not constitute a ban on protests, and individuals retain the right to express their views lawfully.
NSW police will have enhanced powers, including directing individuals to move on, closing specific locations, and issuing directions to prevent disruptions or risks to public safety. Non-compliance may result in fines of up to $5,500. Protesters express concern that these powers could effectively ban protests in the CBD and eastern suburbs during Herzog's visit. The Palestinian Action Group has proposed a rally through the Sydney CBD, which has been deemed unauthorized by the police.
As Herzog's tour commences in Sydney, the NSW government anticipates a significant police presence on Monday afternoon, urging residents to avoid the CBD if possible. Premier Minns emphasizes the importance of maintaining calm and respect during the presidential visit, advocating for peaceful disagreement. NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley highlights Herzog's purpose of mourning with the Australian Jewish community, appealing to NSW residents to show respect during their grieving period.
Greens MP Sue Higginson, who signed the open letter, asserts that protesting on Monday aligns with constitutional freedom. She criticizes the government's attempt to portray protests as 'inconvenient and illegitimate' as misleading and dangerous, emphasizing the police's responsibility to ensure the safety of all attendees, including those peacefully opposing the president's presence. The police's awareness of a planned march on Town Hall, which falls under controversial anti-protest laws enacted after the Bondi terror attack, adds further complexity to the situation.
