In an unprecedented move, Queensland Police have issued a total ban on a planned pro-Palestine protest set to march across Brisbane's iconic Story Bridge this Sunday. The decision, which prevents the group from assembling at all, marks a significant escalation in the authorities' response to the ongoing conflict's local demonstrations.
Police cited "serious traffic disruption" and overriding public safety concerns as the core reasons for the blanket prohibition. The organisers, the group Friends of Palestine, had anticipated a large turnout for the march, intended to call for a free Palestine.
Zero Tolerance for Major Infrastructure Disruption
In a formal statement, a Queensland Police Service spokesperson emphasised a zero-tolerance approach to protests that target critical transport infrastructure. The service declared it would not permit any protest activity on the Story Bridge, a vital arterial route connecting the city's north and south.
The police asserted that the proposed action posed an unacceptable risk to public safety, potentially blocking emergency services and causing massive, widespread traffic congestion across the city. This hardline stance reflects a broader effort to prevent the disruption seen in previous rallies.
Organisers React with Defiance and Disappointment
The Friends of Palestine group has expressed profound disappointment and anger at the decision. Organisers accused the state of suppressing free speech and the right to peaceful assembly, arguing that the ban is a politically motivated move to silence criticism of the Israeli government's actions in Gaza.
Despite the ban, the group has urged supporters to gather at a separate, alternative location this Sunday. This call to action sets the stage for a potential standoff, as any large gathering could still be deemed unlawful by authorities.
A Pattern of Tension and Protest
This incident is not isolated. Brisbane has been a focal point for both pro-Palestine and pro-Israel demonstrations since the outbreak of the recent conflict. Previous protests have at times strained police resources and led to arrests, creating a tense atmosphere around the right to protest in the city.
The police's decision to pre-emptively ban the march entirely, rather than manage it, signals a new, more aggressive strategy in handling demonstrations deemed high-risk due to their location and potential scale.
