Latest news with #AmnestyInternationalAustralia
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Protesters pledge Bridge defiance as court battle looms
Police and pro-Palestine protesters are heading for a court showdown, as an open letter calls for a state government to facilitate a demonstration across an iconic Australian landmark. Tens of thousands of people were expected to join the march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday opposing Israel's war on Gaza, before police confirmed they would not permit it and would take court action to categorise it as unlawful and unauthorised. Undeterred protesters, including organising group Palestine Action Group Sydney, have continued promoting the demonstration ahead of a legal challenge later this week. They have been backed by an open letter signed by 55 entities, including protest and civil liberties groups, unions, social action bodies and political factions, calling on NSW Premier Chris Minns to reverse his opposition to the march. "Seeking to shut down this rally would be a serious departure from the NSW state and police's responsibility to uphold the democratic right of protest," the letter read. "We urge your government to facilitate the exercise of democratic freedoms in collaboration with community groups and support the holding of this protest." Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International Australia, the Jewish Council of Australia and the NSW Council for Civil Liberties are among the 55 signatories. Palestine Action Group leaders posted on Facebook on Wednesday night confirming they've received court summons, with a hearing likely for Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. NSW has a permit system that allows protest participants to block public roads and infrastructure, but police can go to court to deny permission. The protest group vowed to protest regardless of the court outcome, ending their post with "whatever happens, see you on Sunday". The group's spokesman Josh Lees had accused Mr Minns of interfering in police operations, after the premier spoke out against the protest saying he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos". Mr Lees said the group had lodged the application on Saturday in compliance with the required one-week notice for a demonstration. The action group had said more than 50,000 people were expected to attend the protest. The number of Palestinians believed to have been killed during the war in Gaza is nearing 60,000, according to local health authorities, while dozens of people are reported to have died in recent days due to starvation. Israel's military campaign began after Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation in Australia, attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages. The bridge has previously been shut for separate demonstrations, including the march for reconciliation in 2000 which attracted more than 250,000 people and a film production. Police and pro-Palestine protesters are heading for a court showdown, as an open letter calls for a state government to facilitate a demonstration across an iconic Australian landmark. Tens of thousands of people were expected to join the march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday opposing Israel's war on Gaza, before police confirmed they would not permit it and would take court action to categorise it as unlawful and unauthorised. Undeterred protesters, including organising group Palestine Action Group Sydney, have continued promoting the demonstration ahead of a legal challenge later this week. They have been backed by an open letter signed by 55 entities, including protest and civil liberties groups, unions, social action bodies and political factions, calling on NSW Premier Chris Minns to reverse his opposition to the march. "Seeking to shut down this rally would be a serious departure from the NSW state and police's responsibility to uphold the democratic right of protest," the letter read. "We urge your government to facilitate the exercise of democratic freedoms in collaboration with community groups and support the holding of this protest." Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International Australia, the Jewish Council of Australia and the NSW Council for Civil Liberties are among the 55 signatories. Palestine Action Group leaders posted on Facebook on Wednesday night confirming they've received court summons, with a hearing likely for Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. NSW has a permit system that allows protest participants to block public roads and infrastructure, but police can go to court to deny permission. The protest group vowed to protest regardless of the court outcome, ending their post with "whatever happens, see you on Sunday". The group's spokesman Josh Lees had accused Mr Minns of interfering in police operations, after the premier spoke out against the protest saying he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos". Mr Lees said the group had lodged the application on Saturday in compliance with the required one-week notice for a demonstration. The action group had said more than 50,000 people were expected to attend the protest. The number of Palestinians believed to have been killed during the war in Gaza is nearing 60,000, according to local health authorities, while dozens of people are reported to have died in recent days due to starvation. Israel's military campaign began after Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation in Australia, attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages. The bridge has previously been shut for separate demonstrations, including the march for reconciliation in 2000 which attracted more than 250,000 people and a film production. Police and pro-Palestine protesters are heading for a court showdown, as an open letter calls for a state government to facilitate a demonstration across an iconic Australian landmark. Tens of thousands of people were expected to join the march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday opposing Israel's war on Gaza, before police confirmed they would not permit it and would take court action to categorise it as unlawful and unauthorised. Undeterred protesters, including organising group Palestine Action Group Sydney, have continued promoting the demonstration ahead of a legal challenge later this week. They have been backed by an open letter signed by 55 entities, including protest and civil liberties groups, unions, social action bodies and political factions, calling on NSW Premier Chris Minns to reverse his opposition to the march. "Seeking to shut down this rally would be a serious departure from the NSW state and police's responsibility to uphold the democratic right of protest," the letter read. "We urge your government to facilitate the exercise of democratic freedoms in collaboration with community groups and support the holding of this protest." Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International Australia, the Jewish Council of Australia and the NSW Council for Civil Liberties are among the 55 signatories. Palestine Action Group leaders posted on Facebook on Wednesday night confirming they've received court summons, with a hearing likely for Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. NSW has a permit system that allows protest participants to block public roads and infrastructure, but police can go to court to deny permission. The protest group vowed to protest regardless of the court outcome, ending their post with "whatever happens, see you on Sunday". The group's spokesman Josh Lees had accused Mr Minns of interfering in police operations, after the premier spoke out against the protest saying he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos". Mr Lees said the group had lodged the application on Saturday in compliance with the required one-week notice for a demonstration. The action group had said more than 50,000 people were expected to attend the protest. The number of Palestinians believed to have been killed during the war in Gaza is nearing 60,000, according to local health authorities, while dozens of people are reported to have died in recent days due to starvation. Israel's military campaign began after Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation in Australia, attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages. The bridge has previously been shut for separate demonstrations, including the march for reconciliation in 2000 which attracted more than 250,000 people and a film production. Police and pro-Palestine protesters are heading for a court showdown, as an open letter calls for a state government to facilitate a demonstration across an iconic Australian landmark. Tens of thousands of people were expected to join the march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday opposing Israel's war on Gaza, before police confirmed they would not permit it and would take court action to categorise it as unlawful and unauthorised. Undeterred protesters, including organising group Palestine Action Group Sydney, have continued promoting the demonstration ahead of a legal challenge later this week. They have been backed by an open letter signed by 55 entities, including protest and civil liberties groups, unions, social action bodies and political factions, calling on NSW Premier Chris Minns to reverse his opposition to the march. "Seeking to shut down this rally would be a serious departure from the NSW state and police's responsibility to uphold the democratic right of protest," the letter read. "We urge your government to facilitate the exercise of democratic freedoms in collaboration with community groups and support the holding of this protest." Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International Australia, the Jewish Council of Australia and the NSW Council for Civil Liberties are among the 55 signatories. Palestine Action Group leaders posted on Facebook on Wednesday night confirming they've received court summons, with a hearing likely for Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. NSW has a permit system that allows protest participants to block public roads and infrastructure, but police can go to court to deny permission. The protest group vowed to protest regardless of the court outcome, ending their post with "whatever happens, see you on Sunday". The group's spokesman Josh Lees had accused Mr Minns of interfering in police operations, after the premier spoke out against the protest saying he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos". Mr Lees said the group had lodged the application on Saturday in compliance with the required one-week notice for a demonstration. The action group had said more than 50,000 people were expected to attend the protest. The number of Palestinians believed to have been killed during the war in Gaza is nearing 60,000, according to local health authorities, while dozens of people are reported to have died in recent days due to starvation. Israel's military campaign began after Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation in Australia, attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages. The bridge has previously been shut for separate demonstrations, including the march for reconciliation in 2000 which attracted more than 250,000 people and a film production.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Protesters pledge Bridge defiance as court battle looms
Police and pro-Palestine protesters are heading for a court showdown, as an open letter calls for a state government to facilitate a demonstration across an iconic Australian landmark. Tens of thousands of people were expected to join the march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday opposing Israel's war on Gaza, before police confirmed they would not permit it and would take court action to categorise it as unlawful and unauthorised. Undeterred protesters, including organising group Palestine Action Group Sydney, have continued promoting the demonstration ahead of a legal challenge later this week. They have been backed by an open letter signed by 55 entities, including protest and civil liberties groups, unions, social action bodies and political factions, calling on NSW Premier Chris Minns to reverse his opposition to the march. "Seeking to shut down this rally would be a serious departure from the NSW state and police's responsibility to uphold the democratic right of protest," the letter read. "We urge your government to facilitate the exercise of democratic freedoms in collaboration with community groups and support the holding of this protest." Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International Australia, the Jewish Council of Australia and the NSW Council for Civil Liberties are among the 55 signatories. Palestine Action Group leaders posted on Facebook on Wednesday night confirming they've received court summons, with a hearing likely for Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. NSW has a permit system that allows protest participants to block public roads and infrastructure, but police can go to court to deny permission. The protest group vowed to protest regardless of the court outcome, ending their post with "whatever happens, see you on Sunday". The group's spokesman Josh Lees had accused Mr Minns of interfering in police operations, after the premier spoke out against the protest saying he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos". Mr Lees said the group had lodged the application on Saturday in compliance with the required one-week notice for a demonstration. The action group had said more than 50,000 people were expected to attend the protest. The number of Palestinians believed to have been killed during the war in Gaza is nearing 60,000, according to local health authorities, while dozens of people are reported to have died in recent days due to starvation. Israel's military campaign began after Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation in Australia, attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages. The bridge has previously been shut for separate demonstrations, including the march for reconciliation in 2000 which attracted more than 250,000 people and a film production.
West Australian
24-04-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Australia calls for Israel to end Gaza aid blockade
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza after blocking supplies for more than 50 days. Australia joined calls from the UK, France and Germany for Israel to "immediately allow rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza", Senator Wong said as she called for a new ceasefire deal and the return of hostages. She made the declaration on social media, while sharing a statement from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy which labelled the aid blockade "completely unacceptable". Israel has also stopped all goods, including fuel and electricity, from entering Gaza since the beginning of March, with the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain issuing a joint statement calling for it to follow international law. "Palestinian civilians - including one million children - face an acute risk of starvation, epidemic disease and death. This must end," the statement said. "We reiterate our outrage at recent strikes by Israeli forces on humanitarian personnel, infrastructure, premises and healthcare facilities." Labor has been under pressure in western Sydney seats with large Muslim and Middle Eastern populations to be stronger on Gaza. The most serious challenges from grassroots Muslim independents are in Watson and Blaxland, held by two Labor ministers on sizeable margins. The independents are backed by a grassroots organisation called Muslim Votes Matter, which is urging the community to vote strategically to show its anger. "Candidates who refused to condemn a genocide ... will be met with the exact same response: our complete and unapologetic rejection," it told supporters in a campaign message on WhatsApp on Thursday. Both major parties have been largely silent on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the federal election campaign. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton vowed to review visas given to people fleeing Gaza if the coalition wins government on May 3 after pledging to stop accepting refugees from the strip due to security concerns. Everyone granted a visa has undergone and passed appropriate security checks, the government maintains. Amnesty International Australia labelled Mr Dutton's comments inflammatory and unfounded. "Palestinian visa holders who have arrived in Australia have already undergone extensive security assessments, including by ASIO, which represent a far higher standard than any other group," spokesperson Mohamed Duar said. The Gaza conflict was sparked by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1200 deaths and 251 hostages taken to Gaza, according to Israeli records. Since then, local health authorities report more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive.
Perth Now
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Australia calls for Israel to end Gaza aid blockade
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza after blocking supplies for more than 50 days. Australia joined calls from the UK, France and Germany for Israel to "immediately allow rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza", Senator Wong said as she called for a new ceasefire deal and the return of hostages. She made the declaration on social media, while sharing a statement from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy which labelled the aid blockade "completely unacceptable". Israel has also stopped all goods, including fuel and electricity, from entering Gaza since the beginning of March, with the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain issuing a joint statement calling for it to follow international law. "Palestinian civilians - including one million children - face an acute risk of starvation, epidemic disease and death. This must end," the statement said. "We reiterate our outrage at recent strikes by Israeli forces on humanitarian personnel, infrastructure, premises and healthcare facilities." Labor has been under pressure in western Sydney seats with large Muslim and Middle Eastern populations to be stronger on Gaza. The most serious challenges from grassroots Muslim independents are in Watson and Blaxland, held by two Labor ministers on sizeable margins. The independents are backed by a grassroots organisation called Muslim Votes Matter, which is urging the community to vote strategically to show its anger. "Candidates who refused to condemn a genocide ... will be met with the exact same response: our complete and unapologetic rejection," it told supporters in a campaign message on WhatsApp on Thursday. Both major parties have been largely silent on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the federal election campaign. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton vowed to review visas given to people fleeing Gaza if the coalition wins government on May 3 after pledging to stop accepting refugees from the strip due to security concerns. Everyone granted a visa has undergone and passed appropriate security checks, the government maintains. Amnesty International Australia labelled Mr Dutton's comments inflammatory and unfounded. "Palestinian visa holders who have arrived in Australia have already undergone extensive security assessments, including by ASIO, which represent a far higher standard than any other group," spokesperson Mohamed Duar said. The Gaza conflict was sparked by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1200 deaths and 251 hostages taken to Gaza, according to Israeli records. Since then, local health authorities report more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive.
