Protesters pledge Bridge defiance as court battle looms
Tens of thousands of people were expected to join the march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday opposing Israel's war on Gaza, before police confirmed they would not permit it and would take court action to categorise it as unlawful and unauthorised.
Undeterred protesters, including organising group Palestine Action Group Sydney, have continued promoting the demonstration ahead of a legal challenge later this week.
They have been backed by an open letter signed by 55 entities, including protest and civil liberties groups, unions, social action bodies and political factions, calling on NSW Premier Chris Minns to reverse his opposition to the march.
"Seeking to shut down this rally would be a serious departure from the NSW state and police's responsibility to uphold the democratic right of protest," the letter read.
"We urge your government to facilitate the exercise of democratic freedoms in collaboration with community groups and support the holding of this protest."
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International Australia, the Jewish Council of Australia and the NSW Council for Civil Liberties are among the 55 signatories.
Palestine Action Group leaders posted on Facebook on Wednesday night confirming they've received court summons, with a hearing likely for Thursday afternoon or Friday morning.
NSW has a permit system that allows protest participants to block public roads and infrastructure, but police can go to court to deny permission.
The protest group vowed to protest regardless of the court outcome, ending their post with "whatever happens, see you on Sunday".
The group's spokesman Josh Lees had accused Mr Minns of interfering in police operations, after the premier spoke out against the protest saying he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos".
Mr Lees said the group had lodged the application on Saturday in compliance with the required one-week notice for a demonstration.
The action group had said more than 50,000 people were expected to attend the protest.
The number of Palestinians believed to have been killed during the war in Gaza is nearing 60,000, according to local health authorities, while dozens of people are reported to have died in recent days due to starvation.
Israel's military campaign began after Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation in Australia, attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages.
The bridge has previously been shut for separate demonstrations, including the march for reconciliation in 2000 which attracted more than 250,000 people and a film production.
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