Organisers from the Free Palestine Coalition said the decision by Victoria Police to bring in hundreds of additional officers was a “huge waste of resources” for a peaceful protest.
Protesters are expected to bang pots and pans during the rally, in a nod to mounting concerns about mass starvation in Gaza. Speakers include former Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam and protest organiser Tasnim Sammak.
A protester speaking to rallygoers in Melbourne on Sunday.Credit: Charlotte Grieve
“Gaza is suffering from an ongoing forced man-made famine and ongoing bombing of civilians,” the Free Palestine Coalition said.
“This is exactly why organisers are holding the protest to King Street Bridge … to let the good people of the City of Melbourne know that there are atrocities happening in Gaza, and that we as a community have an opportunity to change the status quo, and bring about change.”
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Premier Jacinta Allan warned protesters there would be consequences for anyone who caused chaos in the CBD.
“There are strong operational arrangements in place for today, those are in place to support people’s safety,” she said at a press conference on Sunday.
“Anyone who breaks the law, anyone who compromises community safety will be dealt with swiftly by Victoria Police.”
Opposition leader Brad Battin said while Victorians had the right to protest, the Free Palestine Coalition did not have “the right to block bridges, shut down cities”.
“Premier Allan has let this go on for too long. Victorians are sick of the chaos. It’s time to stop talking and start acting.”
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