As readers would know, there is increasing pressure on activists who support Palestine in the media, in the courts, by the police and by far-right provocateurs. I would like to highlight the efforts being made by political people to defend those who find themselves under attack.
Provocateurs
Here is a list of provocateurs in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Known Zionist agitator Chris Oliver (owner of Little Bird Bookshop in Paddington).
Drew Pavlou goes up to people with a camera in his hand and asks provocative questions like, “Do you support Hamas?” P.
Protection from attack
Justice for Palestine Magan-djin provides diligent marshalls at these events and liaises with police whose job it is, under the Peaceful Assembly Act, to protect public assembly and marches and to prevent violent and provocative intervention. JFP is a role model for other organisations. It is important that people participating in rallies and marches report any suspicious behaviour to the marshalls who are clearly marked with hi-viz vests. There are also clearly identified legal observers from Action Ready who are experienced in activities such as these.
Governments cracking down
It is not just people at Columbia University in the United States who are feeling these attacks on free speech. Under recent laws, just about any comment about Israel is regarded as being anti-semitic and therefore illegal. This is despite the fact that the International Court of Justice has declared Israel an illegal state.
On May Day, I stood silent with my back turned to government support for the genocide. I was later arrested alongside my union comrade, who did the same. A young woman who challenged the Premier was arrested and sentenced to one year’s community service.
These are clear attacks on free speech instigated by the government. At the Albanese dinner, True Believers celebrated while people in Gaza starve.
Drew Pavlou approached a man beside me and said provocatively, “Do you support Hamas?”
Supporting Hamas is unlawful in Australia. Are the people who endlessly ask this question like Drew Pavlou? A provocateur who collects evidence on people who support the Islamic resistance?
Pavlou does not see the irony in his statement because he claims to be an advocate for rights for Uighurs in China but not for the Islamic resistance in Palestine 🇵🇸.
Would they like to see all pro-Palestinian people go to jail?
Ian Curr
23 March 2025
✊ Solidarity that is the important thing. We need to stick together as we both well know that the struggle continues to make people free.