Antizionist activist arrested in Brisbane for using banned slogan
A pro-Palestinian activist was detained in Brisbane after allegedly violating Queensland’s new hate speech laws by uttering the phrase “from the river to the sea” at a rally.
Sam Woripa Watson, who participated in the flotilla to Gaza that was stopped by Israeli forces, was arrested soon after speaking to roughly 200 demonstrators at a Justice for Palestine Magan-djin gathering in King George Square.
Sam Woripa Watson addressing a gathering before the rally (photo: Instagram)
“When I say from the river to the sea, Palestine should be free, I mean that I have seen first-hand what the occupation does. It should not be allowed to continue,” he told the crowd. Presumably, Watson was referring to the time he spent in Israel after his arrest.
Police moved in quickly after the speech, removing him from the square and placing him in a vehicle.
This detention represents another major examination of Queensland’s fresh hate speech rules. The Liberal National Party administration under Premier David Crisafulli brought them in following the deadly December 2025 Bondi Beach terror attack, where 15 people died and dozens were injured at a Chanukah celebration.
Officially titled the Fighting Antisemitism and Keeping Guns Out of the Hands of Terrorists and Criminals Amendment Act, the laws positioned Queensland as the first state to outlaw public use of “from the river to the sea” and “globalise the intifada” when they are seen as threatening, harassing or offensive. Those found guilty could receive jail terms of up to two years.
Since their approval in March, the measures have triggered strong arguments. Supporters claim the expressions are tied to antisemitic threats and violence against Jews. Critics maintain that they curb legitimate political speech and free expression.
Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli at the Bondi Beach memorial in January 2026 (photo: Facebook)
Premier Crisafulli has stated that demonstrators may still criticise Israel and its policies, but they must avoid the two specified slogans.
Justice for Palestine organiser Remah Naji suggested inconsistent enforcement by police, noting that others at the event used the phrase without facing arrest.
The case is part of ongoing protests and civil disobedience targeting the legislation. Over 20 people have been detained at comparable Brisbane events this year, while campaigners are readying a High Court bid to assess the rules’ constitutional standing.
Watson gained visibility in pro-Palestinian circles after joining the Global Sumud flotilla, part of international attempts to contest Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Israeli authorities held him and other Australian participants following the May interception.
Brisbane activist Liam Parry became the first person charged under these laws and has promised to challenge them legally.
Queensland Police have yet to confirm the exact charge against Watson.
Up close….I do not think so. He never got near Gaza.But as an enemy of Israel and Jewish self determination, this turkey look alike finally found some notoriety and meaning to his lonely life.Poor bugger.That’s all he may have.