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Court knocks back protest on Story Bridge, organisers vow to hold rally anyway
By William Davis and Courtney Kruk
Plans for a pro-Palestine march across the Story Bridge have been rejected in court – but organisers say a protest will still go ahead, and they may walk across the Brisbane landmark anyway.
About 20 supporters stayed largely quiet but appeared frustrated as the decision was handed down in a packed out CBD courtroom just after 4.15pm on Thursday.
“There is a significant risk to public safety, as indicated by the experts in this matter,” judge Janelle Brassington said in her finding.
Justice for Palestine Magan-djin organisers after a court rejected their plans to march across the Story Bridge.Credit: William Davis
“That’s over and above simple inconvenience.
“I note … their good intentions, but the number and capacity of the marshals and the experience of the Sydney march show how easily that can be overwhelmed.”
The damage to Story Bridge footpaths – which have been closed since March – and ongoing repair works were cited as key factors making a protest dangerous.
Group Justice for Palestine Magan-djin had planned to march across the bridge on Sunday, starting at Raymond Park in Kangaroo Point and ending at Centenary Park in Fortitude Valley from 1pm. Multiple other rallies are planned at the same time across Australia.
Minutes after the verdict was handed down, organiser Remah Naji told reporters the group would consider an appeal and still planned to protest this weekend.
“Peaceful assembly remains lawful, and the plan is still to go ahead with our peaceful assembly at Raymond Park,” she told reporters outside Brisbane Magistrates Court.
“We’re considering our options [for walking across the bridge].
“We have demonstrated over the past 22 months that we are able to organise rallies and demonstrations that are safe.”
Asked if she was prepared to be arrested for the cause, she said: “I’m prepared to do everything in my power to pressure my government to act in accordance with international law.”
A man with no connection to the group or organisers briefly interrupted the press conference to yell an antisemitic phrase. Naji immediately shut him down.
Police minister Dan Purdie put out his own statement responding to the group’s claims.
“The courts have backed our police and we call on event organisers to respect the decision of the court,” he said.
“If protesters defy the decision of the court, it will not only put people at risk, it will also take hundreds of police away from responding to crime.”
Arguments were heard all morning in a packed CBD courtroom, with note-taking journalists spilling onto the floor and some organisers required to sit outside.
Police representatives told Brassington the protest would be unsafe and cause unreasonable disruptions to the city, citing affidavits filed by Brisbane City Council.
Organisers argued similar events had taken place before without incident, they had significant experience in safely organising rallies in Brisbane and police were given ample notice to prepare.
A miscommunication during the hearing briefly convinced organisers the judge had approved the march, prompting muted cheers and celebrations.
“The objections were centred largely around community safety,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said on Thursday afternoon.
“The Queensland Police Service is not into confronting protesters or being involved in confrontation.
“However, on this occasion we have to make it quite clear that anyone participating in a protest which is not authorised … faces the prospect of enforcement action being taken against them.”
Three other routes through the CBD had been proposed by police, but were rejected by organisers during mediation.
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