Federal Police seek seven men for display of Hezbollah flags

The Australian Federal Police have released images of seven men who are wanted after prohibited symbols, including the Hezbollah flag, were flown at a protest in Melbourne last month. 

The flag of Hezbollah and the face of its slain leader were paraded through the streets of Melbourne last weekend. 

”Some may have been named publicly however it’s believed they are false names,” the AFP said in a statement.

Australia classified Hezbollah’s military arm as a threat 21 years ago. 

As of December 2021, the group in its entirety has been considered a terrorist organisation. 

Its flag was absent from today’s protests in Victoria and last night’s march from the Victoria Barracks to Spencer Street. 

There are concerns the images will reappear at tomorrow’s rally on the eve of the anniversary of Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack. 

“October 7 isn’t a day for celebration, it isn’t even a day for commemoration,” Victoria’s Shadow Treasurer Brad Roswell said.

The Australian Federal Police, along with all state and territory police, said in a joint statement yesterday there would be “no tolerance” for lawbreaking or violence.

“In Australia, there are offences that prohibit behaviour that incites or advocates violence or hatred based on race and religion, including the display of prohibited symbols in public under these circumstances,” the statement read.

“It is also a serious offence to counsel, promote, encourage, urge, instruct or praise terrorism.”

Plans for rallies this weekend and on October 7, the anniversary of Hamas’ deadly surprise attack on Israel last year that saw 1200 Israeli people killed and more than 200 kidnapped, have sparked controversy this week.

NSW Police announced yesterday that an October 6 protest would go ahead following an alternate route after securing an agreement with protest organisers that no Hezbollah symbols or flags would be displayed.

The plan for a protest on October 7 has been withdrawn, but a vigil will take place instead.

A Sunday protest is also expected to go ahead in Melbourne, followed by a vigil and procession on Monday.

An Adelaide protest will also go ahead after police said organisers had satisfied all legal requirements.

However, it’s expected officers will be out in force at all events.