Australian Police Chiefs Unite With ‘No Tolerance’ Message for Illegal Protests Ahead of Oct. 7

Protest groups have clashed with police on potential rallies leading up to the anniversary of the Hamas attacks.

School students participate in a strike for Palestine in Melbourne, Australia, on Dec. 7, 2023. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

In the wake of large-scale protests scheduled to mark the first anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel, the police says there will be “no tolerance for illegal behaviour or violence.”

Without directly referring to “Oct. 7” or “pro-Palestine,” a joint statement issued by the Australian Federal Police and all state police forces said such behaviour would not be tolerated on “any day of the year.”

“In Australia, there are offences that prohibit behaviour that incites or advocates violence or hatred based on race and religion, including the display of prohibited symbols in public under these circumstances,” the statement read.

It further warns that it is a serious offence to “counsel, promote, encourage, urge, instruct, or praise terrorism.”

Police also announced they are making plans and preparations for upcoming protests in some states and territories.

The statement was joined by New South Wales (NSW) Police, Northern Territory Police, Queensland Police Service, South Australia Police, Victoria Police, Western Australia Police, and Tasmania Police.

NSW Police and Pro-Palestine Group Reach Agreement on Protest

After negotiations with NSW Police, a pro-Palestine group had agreed to gatherings on Oct. 6 but to try omit any inflammatory messaging. Oct. 6 is a day before the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas surprise attack on Israel.

In a social media post, the organisers urged rally attendees not to bring any flags, symbols, or printed depictions that might be deemed illegal due to their association with proscribed terrorist groups under Australian law—like Hamas or Hezbollah.

“We do not agree with these laws, but we don’t want to see people getting into potentially serious legal trouble, or giving the police any reason to make arrests at the rally,” the post stated.

Earlier this week, the NSW Police and the Palestinian Action Group were in court over the protest. A consensus was reached following negotiations with the police force, focused on public safety concerns.

“The location and route of the protest have now changed, and protest organisers have agreed that no flags, portraits, or symbols connected to a prohibited terrorist organisation will be displayed,” they said.

“Police will not hesitate to take appropriate action against anyone who commits a criminal offence.”

The police statement further clarified that the Palestinian Action Group has withdrawn its demand for a public assembly on Oct. 7, and has not applied for a new protest permit.