The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network condemns NSW Premier Chris Minns’ framing of human rights advocacy as a financial burden, following his remarks about the cost of policing Palestine solidarity protests.
Premier Minns’ remarks reveal a troubling disregard for fundamental rights and democracy, which is particularly concerning coming from a democratically elected representative.
The right to protest is a cornerstone of democracy which must never be contingent on financial considerations.
The true cost when it comes to this issue lies in the ongoing suffering of Palestinians in the face of Israeli genocide, illegal occupation and apartheid, not in the voices that rise in solidarity with their struggle.
It is a fact that the vast majority of Palestine solidarity protests in NSW and across the continent have been peaceful expressions of support for Palestinians and community frustration over the failure of governments at all levels to take action wherever they can to hold Israel accountable for ongoing violations of international law.
The level of policing these protests have faced has been unnecessary and discriminatory.
Premier Minns must retract his comments and commit – alongside all Australian elected representatives – to protecting the Australian community’s democratic rights, and taking immediate action to end Israel’s genocide and illegal occupation of Palestinians.
Comments attributed to APAN President Nasser Mashni:
“Neither justice for Palestine nor our democratic rights on this continent are up for negotiation or compromise.
“Yet, today Premier Minns has tried, yet again, to stifle his constituents’ voices and undermine their right to protest for Palestinian justice and liberation.
“The overwhelming majority of Palestine solidarity protests over the past year have been peaceful expressions of solidarity and justice. By dog-whistling about policing these protests, Premier Minns obscures this reality and tries to criminalise those who are advocating for human rights.
“This must be called out for what it is – anti-Palestinian racism. But Premier Minns must know that we will not be silenced by this racism or this attempt at state repression.
“As long as Palestinians are oppressed and murdered by Israel and its western allies, people of good conscience across this continent, including in NSW, will continue to raise their voices in protest.”