A court ruling is anticipated today regarding a planned pro-Palestinian demonstration on Sydney Harbour Bridge scheduled for Sunday. The Palestine Action Group has submitted a request for 10,000 participants to walk across the iconic structure to raise awareness about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
However, New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns has denied the protest application, citing police recommendations that express concerns about inadequate preparation time to ensure public safety. Law enforcement officials argue that such a large gathering poses a significant risk to both attendees and officers.
Despite this, protest organisers assert that the event is inevitable, with a substantial turnout expected. In a bid to prevent the demonstration, NSW Police have filed a summons in the Supreme Court seeking to block the protest, which is set to be heard at 12.30pm today. The Palestine Action Group plans to contest this legal action.
The group is mobilising supporters to attend the court session, urging them to demonstrate their commitment to the cause. An online petition advocating for the march has already garnered over 7,200 signatures.
The Harbour Bridge has previously hosted various high-profile events, including marches for reconciliation, marathons, and cultural celebrations. Although Minns and police have indicated support for the protest at a different time or place, the organisers have offered to postpone the event by a week.
If permitted to proceed, this protest would mark the first instance in nearly two years that pro-Palestinian activists have marched to the Harbour Bridge following the attacks on October 7.