Cries of “Shame!” rang out in Brisbane CBD on 18 April as Premier David Crisafulli’s police stormed the stage to arrest activists at a Palestine solidarity rally. Their crime? Calling for liberation for Palestinians between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.
Edward Carrol, a Jewish anti-Zionist activist, was the first to be arrested, for defying laws that purport to be about “fighting antisemitism”. Dozens of riot police, backed up by a line of horses, repeatedly charged through the hundreds-strong crowd, arresting activists who were chanting or displaying the banned slogan. Meanwhile, a speaker recalled her days fighting against the Bjelke-Petersen government, which banned street marches in 1977, before being arrested.
Another Jewish anti-Zionist activist spoke about having fought against apartheid in South Africa, and how important it is to stand with Palestinians on the right side of history. He was treated to the full force of Crisafulli’s riot squad, which moved in immediately to arrest him.
Students for Palestine Queensland convener Ella Gutteridge told the crowd: “Israel is carrying out terror, all across the Middle East, with the help and support of our government. And that is why I will never stop proudly saying Palestine should be free”, followed by the banned slogan. She was promptly arrested along with four other Students for Palestine activists.
After about 15 arrests, the police tore down the sound system and began snatching megaphones from activists’ hands. Undeterred, the chanting continued unamplified as the rally marched down Roma Street to the watch house where arrestees were being held. Hundreds sat on the road and occupied the rear entrance of the watch house to ensure the activists inside could hear their supporters outside. The police kettled the crowd in the narrow side street, arresting a further handful of activists and generally trying to intimidate the crowd. Protesters then marched back to the rally starting point.
A total of 20 people were arrested. If found guilty of “reciting or displaying a prohibited expression”, they face up to two years in prison. Meanwhile, supporters of war and genocide walk free through the halls of parliament, backing Israel and the US’s barbaric actions down the line.
Crisafulli’s government allows weapons companies that make parts for Israeli fighter jets to operate in Brisbane suburbs. It locks up Indigenous children as young as 10 for minor crimes. And yet it dares to lecture anti-genocide activists about “hate”.
The campaign to overturn these new laws is just getting started. At the same time, Queensland Socialists have just announced they will be contesting a by-election in inner city Brisbane next month, in the seat of Stafford. The party has chosen Liam Parry, the first person arrested under the new laws, as its candidate. Opposing the government’s efforts to outlaw Palestine solidarity will be a major part of the campaign.
