The march, notable for attracting significant figures and protesters alike, faced police intervention citing safety concerns.
**Thousands March for Humanity Across Sydney Harbour Bridge Amid Controversy**
**Thousands March for Humanity Across Sydney Harbour Bridge Amid Controversy**
Authorities authorize pro-Palestine protest, drawing attention to Gaza crisis despite rainy weather.
A planned demonstration on the Sydney Harbour Bridge successfully took place after it received legal approval from the Supreme Court just a day prior. Dubbed the "March for Humanity," the event was attended by thousands of supporters, including prominent figures such as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husic, and former NSW Premier Bob Carr, despite heavy rain.
The march marked a rare occasion in which the iconic bridge was closed to the public for a demonstration, a situation last seen earlier this year during World Pride when around 50,000 participants took part. However, approximately two hours into the event, NSW Police sent out a message instructing marchers to halt due to public safety concerns and to re-route back towards the city in an orderly fashion. Police have not provided an official estimate of the protesters' numbers.
In response to anticipated traffic disruptions, Transport for NSW advised motorists to steer clear of the city, citing significant delays across road and public transport networks due to the assembly. The demonstration was organized by the Palestine Action Group, which had initially submitted a notice for the march in light of what they deemed as “atrocities” arising from the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Initially, the police denied the group's permit, expressing worries about safety and the feasibility of managing such a crowd. Premier Chris Minns also indicated that allowing a protest of this size could plunge Sydney into disorder and expressed concerns about public safety.
However, the tide turned just 24 hours before the protest, as NSW Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg denied the police's request for a prohibition order. Justice Rigg acknowledged the safety concerns but noted that the urgency of responding to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza outweighed them. She mandated that the bridge be closed to vehicles, thus facilitating the march without fear of legal repercussions for obstructing traffic.
In the wake of the decision, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies expressed disappointment via their Instagram account. As Australia faces increasing pressure regarding recognition of Palestinian statehood—echoing sentiments from France, Canada, and the UK ahead of the UN General Assembly—Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that Australia will not be rushed into the decision and that security conditions for Israel need to be fulfilled first before any recognition is made regarding Palestinian statehood.
