Woman sought in alleged banned symbols investigation

Police in Sydney have today released photographs of a woman they believe can help with an investigation into the display of banned symbols at a pro-Palestine protest.

The NSW Police Force’s move comes as the Australian Federal Police investigates possible crimes related to the presence of Hezbollah flags at rallies in Sydney and Melbourne on Sunday.

The woman is described as being of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern appearance, of medium build, with long brown hair, wearing all black clothing and black sunglasses.

Australia – like the US, UK, Canada, Japan and other allies – lists Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation.

Displaying the symbol of a terrorist group can be punished by up to a year in prison but federal law lays out only certain illegal situations, such as if the flag is used to spread hate, to intimidate or to incite violence.

The release of the images come as police head to the Supreme Court to block two pro-Palestine protests planned for Sydney to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the war in Gaza this weekend.

Organisers of the planned October 6 and 7 marchers had already advised people to leave the flags at home but after negotiations yesterday were told police would oppose the planned rallies.

Anyone who can identify the woman or provide information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.