The demonstration, which caught many off guard, was evaluated by the local police command at the time. According to Deputy Police Commissioner Lanyon, the decision to allow the protest was made based on available information, with the assessment that it was unlikely to turn illegal or violent. Neither he nor the government was informed in advance that such a gathering would occur.

Through speeches shared on social media, NSN members pointed fingers at what they termed the ‘Jewish lobby,’ accusing it of suppressing political freedoms. This rhetoric has sparked widespread condemnation and debate about the limits of free speech and the dangers of hate speech.

The situation highlights the delicate balance law enforcement must maintain between safeguarding public safety and upholding constitutional rights. As tensions rise, communities are left grappling with how to effectively counter such extremist ideologies without infringing on civil liberties.

Lanyon said police would seek to “ensure the legislation currently permits us to do what is being requested, and certainly what the government quite rightly and the community expect, which is this type of division does not occur”.

“Minns’ use of today’s rally as a justification for giving the police more powers to shut down demonstrations appears disingenuous given that the police already had the power to apply to the Supreme Court for an order prohibiting the rally but chose not to use it,” he said.