A significant pro-Palestine demonstration scheduled for this Sunday in Brisbane has been compelled to alter its course, after being denied permission to march across the iconic Victoria Bridge. The decision by Queensland authorities has set the stage for a rerouted but resolute display of solidarity.
Organisers from the group Friends of Palestine have confirmed the protest will still go ahead, adopting a new path after what they describe as a last-minute rejection of their intended route. The group has a history of leading large-scale marches through the city centre, consistently drawing thousands of participants calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
New March Route and Logistics
The revised demonstration is now planned to commence at 1 PM on Sunday at the city's Cultural Forecourt at South Bank. From there, protesters will march along Melbourne Street, heading towards the Central Business District, instead of crossing the Victoria Bridge as in previous events.
This change marks a significant shift from the group's established pattern, potentially altering the visual impact and flow of the protest through the city's main thoroughfares.
Organisers Condemn Route Denial
In a statement, a spokesperson for Friends of Palestine expressed strong disappointment with the official decision, framing it as an attempt to stifle peaceful dissent. They asserted that the move will not deter the movement's commitment to being a 'strong voice for the people of Palestine' and emphasised their 'unwavering' resolve to continue demonstrations.
The group has pledged that the protest will continue to be conducted peacefully and lawfully, despite the change in plans.
Police and Official Stance
While the article from The Guardian did not explicitly state the reasons for the route denial, such decisions typically involve consultations between police, local government, and transport authorities. Considerations often include public safety, minimising disruption to city infrastructure and transport networks, and managing potential counter-protests.
The rerouting of the march suggests authorities are seeking to balance the right to peaceful protest with the operational functioning of the city, particularly on a weekend.
The upcoming event will be a test of this new dynamic, as both protesters and police navigate the altered arrangements for one of Brisbane's recurring and sizable demonstrations.
