Palestine Action Group Canberra joined in the nationwide protests against Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia on Monday. Photo: Supplied.
A large number of police officers will be on hand to monitor the pro-Palestine protests planned for the President of Israel’s visit to Canberra this week.
The Prime Minister and Governor-General invited Isaac Herzog to the country after 15 people were killed in a terrorist attack at a Bondi Beach Hanukkah event on 14 December.
His visit has already prompted protests across Australia, and ACT Policing expects protests in and around the Parliamentary Triangle on Wednesday (11 February) when he arrives in Canberra.
“We respect people’s right to peacefully protest; however, where actions break laws or are a danger to public safety – including the safety of other protestors – our officers will respond to these incidents,” ACT’s Chief Police Officer Scott Lee said.
“We will have a significant and dedicated police presence, including those from AFP Protection and Specialist Operations, on Canberra’s streets during these protests to keep everyone in the community safe.
“Officers will not tolerate racial vilification or other criminal behaviour, and they will take seriously and fully investigate any placards, signs or flags that breach hate laws.”
A rally was held in Civic on Monday (9 February) as part of the nationwide protests against the president’s visit.
Wednesday’s rally will be run by Palestine Action Group Canberra and its committee member, Diana Abdel-Rahman, said it will be held due to the war crime accusations against Mr Herzog.
“We need to speak out,” she said.
“Australia used to stand up for human rights. We were famous for it.”
A United Nations commission of inquiry alleged Mr Herzog incited genocide in comments made after the 7 October attack on Israel. He rejected these accusations and Israel denies accusations of genocide being committed in Gaza.
Ms Abdel-Rahman said members of Canberra’s Palestinian community were feeling intimidated after Mr Herzog’s invitation to the country.
“We have Palestinians in Canberra from Gaza who have lost family members,” she said.
She said Mr Herzog was visiting Parliament House at the behest of a government that was voted in to uphold democracy and the law.
“They have not done it, they have abused their role in our democracy,” she said.
“He has no right to be there, so we will be there calling him out.”
Ms Abdel-Rahman also referred to the widely publicised videos showing clashes between police and protesters at Sydney’s protest against Mr Herzog’s visit from Monday night.
“We know ACT Police operate very differently to NSW Police,” she said, adding Canberra’s officers had been very helpful at their protest on Monday.
Additional police resources will be deployed in Canberra on Wednesday to keep the community safe.
An ACT Policing spokesperson said traffic disruptions may occur on roads to and from Canberra Airport, as well as in and around the Parliamentary Triangle on Wednesday.
“Disruptions will be kept to a minimum,” they said.
“ACT Policing thanks Canberra’s drivers for their understanding as this operation occurs.”
