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  • 5 months ago
A Queensland magistrate has refused to authorise a pro-Palestinian march across the Story Bridge in Brisbane on Sunday. Police opposed the rally due to public safety and the disruption to the community. But organisers are not backing down and say they'll still meet at the starting point, and in the meantime will consider their legal options to appeal the decision.

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00:00Leaving court disappointed, but not defeated.
00:06We may not have had the judgement in our favour today, but we will continue to fight for freedom and justice.
00:12Their plans for 7,000 protesters to march across Brisbane's Story Bridge on Sunday
00:18was blocked by a court after police successfully argued it would be dangerous.
00:23I had, and still do, have serious concerns around maintaining community safety.
00:29Lawyers for the organisers said authorities have the resources to mitigate risk.
00:34But police disagreed, pointing to two-foot paths undergoing urgent repairs due to structural concerns
00:41and comparing it to a march where almost 100,000 protesters shut down the Sydney Harbour Bridge, risking a crowd crush.
00:51The judge understood why they chose Brisbane's iconic bridge
00:56and accepted the planned protest marches for a serious issue and has significant community support
01:03and the organisers are serious and responsible people.
01:07However, she found this did not outweigh the serious safety concerns.
01:12The court decision doesn't mean the planned meeting of protesters is unlawful if peaceful,
01:18but it does mean they may not be legally protected if they do decide to cross the bridge.
01:24If that involves arrest to prevent those offences from occurring,
01:27then that is an option that is certainly open to us.
01:30Are we going to be prepared to be arrested personally?
01:32I'm prepared to do everything in my power to pressure my government to act in accordance with international law.
01:37Organisers are considering an appeal.
01:40Delisa Saganto, ABC News, Brisbane.
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