Teen allegedly brandished Hezbollah symbol in Sydney
Written by admin on October 2, 2024
A teenager has been charged with brandishing a banned Hezbollah symbol at a protest after she handed herself into police.
Operation Shield investigators released images of the 19-year old as part of an investigation into a public order incident in Sydney over the weekend.
The 19-year-old woman turned herself in at Kogarah Police Station about 10am on Wednesday, where she was charged with displaying a prohibited terrorists organisation symbol in public.
She was granted bail with strict conditions and is due to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on October 23.
The teen was allegedly one of thousands of people who attended rallies in Sydney and Melbourne over the weekend following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Hezbollah flags and framed pictures of Nasrallah were reportedly being handed out to protesters in both cities.
Under section 80.2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code, it is illegal to display Hezbollah symbols because it is classified as a terrorist organisation.
NSW Police have now moved to block protests scheduled for this weekend in Sydney, claiming they were not satisfied the event could proceed safely.
A statement from the force confirmed Police Commissioner Karen Webb would seek an order from the NSW Supreme Court to prohibit the protests.
A police spokesperson said while they recognised and supported the rights of people to exercise free speech and peaceful assembly, the first priority for the NSW Police Force was the safety of protesters and the wider community.
However, a spokesperson for the NSW Supreme Court said the police has not yet lodged an application.
The Palestine Action Group has planned to hold the protests in Sydney on Sunday and Monday.
The rallies will mark one year since Hamas attacked Israel and Israel retaliated.
Protest organiser Josh Lees told ABC they would go to court to fight for their right to protest.
Read related topics:Sydney
