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An urgent legal attempt to prevent law enforcement from using enhanced measures to limit protests against the Israeli president has been unsuccessful.
The Palestine Action Group spearheaded the legal challenge against the New South Wales (NSW) authorities, bringing the case before the NSW Supreme Court. This legal action followed the designation of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit as a major event.
The court, however, rejected the group’s application during a session held on Monday afternoon.
This designation granted police additional authority to increase their presence and ensure public safety throughout the visit.
The NSW government defended the increased powers, stating they were necessary for managing crowd safety, keeping opposing groups apart, and minimizing the risk of clashes in the city’s bustling areas.
Among other things, the act allows police to order people to leave the designated major event area and to search anyone who wishes to enter, or is already inside of, the area.
Protesters argued that calling the visit a major event was too broad, as there are no specified participants or spectators, and the geographic area is too large.
Protests planned across the country
The head of state began his official visit in Sydney on Monday after an invitation from the Albanese government following the Bondi terror attack, which targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on 14 December.
Herzog will meet with politicians and Jewish community leaders, some of whom say the figurehead’s visit will bring great comfort.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, but Herzog is not — and is granted customary immunity under international law as a visiting head of state.
Palestine Action Group’s Josh Lees — whose group has been at loggerheads with the police over the planned location for Monday’s protest — spoke to reporters on Monday before the decision was handed down.
“We’re expecting thousands and thousands and thousands of people … remember the protests happening here in Sydney are part of a nationwide day of action,” he said.
The protesters had earlier insisted they would gather at Sydney Town Hall before marching to NSW parliament, while police urged them to move the event to Hyde Park.
Under the major event declaration, those who fail to comply with NSW Police directions face penalties including fines of up to $5,500.
Protests against Herzog and his official visit to Australia are planned in all capital cities and several regional centres.
This is a developing story and this article will be updated.
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