Minns orders police violence against Palestine movement |
NSW Police used extraordinary force against peaceful protesters opposing the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog on February 9.
The violence followed a series of political and legal decisions by Chris Minns’ government that mis-characterised the protest. It is important to state the obvious; had the NSW and federal governments not invited a foreign leader, found by the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent Commission of Inquiry to have incited genocide, there would have been no protest and no police violence.
NSW Labor relied on laws designed to regulate public events to restrict and police the protest. However, Herzog’s appearance at the International Convention Centre (ICC) at Darling Harbour was not a public event; it was a private, invite-only function.
Palestine Action Group lodged an urgent Supreme Court application to seek the removal of extra police powers under “special event” regulations Minns had just announced.
The outcome appeared predetermined. During proceedings the judge repeatedly echoed Minns about protecting 7000 “mourners” attending the International Convention Centre event; in effect their rights were prioritised over those 20,000 humanitarians who were outraged by his visit.
Why is it okay to erase the feelings of Palestinians and their allies, who are themselves in mourning after 2.5 years of genocide.
Police are aware the anti-genocide movement has been peaceful. However, throughout the court’s proceedings, there were repeated references to the December 14 Bondi attack — implicitly linking it to the pro-Palestine protest movement.
There is no connection, and none has ever been alleged on any evidentiary basis. To suggest there is, in a court of law, is an abomination.
The peaceful rally on February 9 included........