Brisbane Magistrate’s Court 26 June 2026
A man who pled insanity on his previous appearance in court when charged with holding a sign with six words on it was the subject of further controversy yesterday .
In an appearance that took no longer than blink, there was some precourt drama. Here is an eyewitness account from one of the defendants’ supporters:
“Almost refused entry to court because we might behave like protesters! We were told how we could and how we couldn’t behave and look. Eventually, let in after giving ID ! How good is fascism? ✌️
Section 14A of the Magistrates Courts Act 1921 (Qld) states that the business of the court “is to be conducted in open court”! None of the exceptions apply, eg, matters regarding children, sexual offences, etc.
This is not the first time this outrageous behaviour has occurred at Roma Street arrest court. On the previous occasion the security guards blamed the cops and the cops blamed the Magistrate and the magistrate blamed the cops when the defence barrister pointed out the obvious.
Magistrate’s Courts are wild places which makes their closure quite bizarre. Both court and parliament have tried to stifle any mention of the genocide.
All the more reason to turn up next Tuesday.
Criminal charges for saying six (6) words should be a newspaper headline, not a court case.
The words are: “From the river t███████████████████ [Redacted under Queensland Government directive (2026).] Palestine will be free.”
Another term, hardly never uttered “███████████████████ [Redacted under government directive] is also outlawed by the Queensland government.
Over thirty (30) people who stand against Israel’s genocide in Gaza and for Palestinian liberation and justice will have their “hearing” on Tuesday. They face two (2) years in prison as per the new LNP laws.
Supporters are showing up outside the court, and giving the accused a message of solidarity, and giving the government a message of shame.
Tuesday, 30th of June, at 8:30am at 240 Roma Street Magistrate’s Arrest Court Brisbane City