NSW Police is taking a planned pro-Palestine protest across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Supreme Court, citing a “significant risk” to public safety.
The Palestine Action Group lodged an application for 10,000 people to walk on Sunday, sparking concerns among authorities.
Premier Chris Minns has refused to grant the group permission on advice from police, saying they were not given enough time to safely organise resources for the protest.
In a last-ditch attempt to block the protest, NSW Police has filed a summons seeking an order to block the protest in the Supreme Court.
The matter will be heard at 12.30pm tomorrow.
The Palestine Action Group said it will fight police in court.
“Shame on Chris Minns for trying to stop this inspiring mass movement to stop the genocide in Gaza,” the group said in a statement.
“If Minns had his way, there would not have been a single protest against this genocide in the past two years.
“The people of Gaza would be exterminated in silence, forgotten and ignored by the world.
“Whether or not we win will depend in large part on the incredible and unprecedented support we have received over recent days.”
NSW Police recognised the right to free speech and protest, but said the demonstration posed a risk to protesters, the general public and authorities.
“The NSW Police Force acknowledges the right to free speech and political demonstration and has facilitated more than 100 public assemblies organised by the Palestine Action Group since October 7, 2023,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“Following an assessment of the Form 1 submitted by the Palestine Action Group, including the proposed route and large numbers expected to participate in the public assembly, a decision has been reached that the event would pose a significant risk to the safety of the participants, public and police.
“As the matter will be before the court shortly, the NSW Police Force won’t be making further comment at this stage.”
The Palestine Action Group invited protesters to the Supreme Court tomorrow, telling them to show their “support for the unstoppable march for humanity”.
It has also started an online petition to allow them to march across the Harbour Bridge, which has gained more than 7200 signatures at the time of publication.
The Harbour Bridge has previously been closed to host a march for reconciliation, marathons, World Pride and to allow Hollywood actor Ryan Gosling to shoot part of his film The Fall Guy.
Minns and police have said they would support the protest if it were held at another location or time.
Organisers have offered to push it back another week.
If the protest goes ahead this weekend, it will be the first time pro-Palestine protesters bring their weekly march to the Harbour Bridge in almost two years since the October 7 attacks.
