Police Negotiate with Protest Group Over Sydney March Route
New South Wales police have acknowledged that the leader of the Palestine Action Group has made significant efforts to outline an intent and desire for a peaceful and safe protest. Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan stated on Sunday that negotiations are ongoing with Josh Lees of the group regarding the location of Monday night's march, which is planned from Sydney Town Hall to state parliament. This route breaches a public assembly restriction declaration extended by police earlier in the week.
Alternate Route Proposed to Lower Tensions
Dunstan urged the group to relocate the march to Hyde Park and proceed to Belmore Park instead, emphasizing that this would safely facilitate a peaceful protest on Sydney's streets. He expressed concerns about potential overflow at Town Hall leading to conflicts between police and protesters. Premier Chris Minns supported this alternate route, stating it would dramatically lower tensions in the city and ensure respect for those mourning recent terrorism events.
Legal Challenge Looms Over Special Powers
In response, Josh Lees confirmed that the Palestine Action Group will urgently file proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court on Monday to challenge Minns' use of special powers. Lees argued that these powers threaten civil liberties and criminalise political expression, accusing the government of using emergency-style measures to shield a visiting head of state from public scrutiny. A separate legal challenge against anti-protest laws passed after the Bondi attack is also ongoing.
Heightened Security Measures in Place
Dunstan announced that over 3,000 police officers will be deployed across Sydney during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit, with motorcades, clearway zones, and barriers expected in the CBD. He advised the public to go about their business as normal but be aware of significant police operations and potential protest activity from 5:30 pm onwards. Minns called for respect and calm over the next four days, highlighting efforts to balance protest rights with public safety.
