Judge sleeps on decision over pro-Palestine march

A Supreme Court judge has delayed her decision to decide the fate of a massive protest across one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks in support of Palestine.

She will sleep on a crucial decision that could open the door to Australia’s largest pro-Palestine rally amid several bridge protests nationwide this weekend

Spectators overflowed in the Supreme Court in Sydney on Friday, with journalists and members of the public finding spaces to sit on the floor.

Shining a spotlight on Israel’s forced starvation of millions of people in Gaza, a large march is planned for the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday in what organisers have named the ‘March for Humanity’.

But NSW Police requested the rally to be deemed unauthorised, pushing for the court to revoke protesters’ immunities to block public roads.

Representing the state police, Lachlan Gyles SC argued they would not be able to maintain a safe environment if the protest was authorised and that closing the bridge was not reasonable in under a week’s notice.

“This is really unprecedented in terms of scale, the level of risk, the lack of time to prepare,” he told the court.

He accused the organisers’ spokesman, Josh Lees, of ignoring his duty of care to public safety.

Under cross-examination, acting Assistant Police Commissioner Adam Johnson raised the possibility of a crowd crush.

“I’m personally concerned about that,” he said.

But Mr Lees disputed the claims.

“We (Palestine Action Group) want to work with them to facilitate a march over the bridge that is safe and peaceful,” Mr Lees said.

The group’s barrister Felicity Graham told the court it would be safer for police to authorise the protest, as people would march regardless of Justice Belinda Rigg’s decision.

“A prohibition order may well increase the number of people who attend the protest, and exacerbate the potential for unrest and violence,” she said.

Police would retain certain powers to address antisocial behaviours, even if the protest is authorised, she said.

Ms Graham said the groundswell of support for the march, including from members of parliament, organisations and high-profile figures, must also be taken into account.

Michele Goldman. Ceo of The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, commented: “Regardless of the Court’s decision, it is deeply disappointing that organisers have indicated they intend to proceed even if the protest is not legally sanctioned. Such disregard for due process and public safety undermines both community trust and the democratic principles they claim to defend.

As Premier Minns rightly said, this protest poses a logistical nightmare for families and commuters, and it raises genuine concerns for public safety. It is telling and will be noted by the vast majority of Sydneysiders that protestors have heard this advice and chosen to disregard it.

While organisers say the march is about conditions in Gaza, we have too often seen these events hijacked by extremist elements with no regard for peace, safety, or civil discourse. We will be monitoring developments closely over the weekend.

Justice Rigg has reserved her decision until 10am on Saturday.