A planned protest in Sydney against controversial new protest laws was called off by organizers to avoid potential arrests. The protest, commemorating the death of David Dungay Jr. and highlighting the issue of Indigenous deaths in custody, was met with police intervention. Organizers, citing concerns over the new legislation, ordered the crowd to disperse peacefully. Despite the peaceful dispersal, protesters vowed to continue their fight for justice.
Protesters in Sydney, Australia, were ordered to disperse by event organizers just before a planned march against controversial new protest laws implemented by the New South Wales (NSW) government. The demonstration, intended to highlight the tenth anniversary of the death of David Dungay Jr., a First Nations man who died in custody, was met with police intervention.
The new laws, enacted in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, grant the NSW Police Commissioner the authority to restrict protests for up to three months following a designated terrorist incident. While groups can still gather to protest during this period, they do so without police authorization, potentially facing prosecution for obstructing traffic or footpaths. The initial declaration under these laws has already been extended until January 20th, with extensions required every two weeks. Organizers had requested an exemption for Sunday’s event, but it was denied, leading to the decision to disperse the crowd peacefully to avoid potential arrests or confrontations under the new legislation. The event, which was to commence in Hyde Park, saw approximately 200 people gather according to the Australian Associated Press. Paul Silva, the event organizer and nephew of David Dungay Jr., addressed the crowd, stating his priority was their safety, fearing the laws would facilitate attacks against protesters. He emphasized his commitment to fighting for justice for his uncle and others who have suffered at the hands of the system.The context for the protest is deeply rooted in the ongoing issue of Aboriginal deaths in custody in Australia. David Dungay Jr., a Dhunghuti man, died in Sydney’s Long Bay Prison in 2015 while being restrained by guards, with security footage showing him repeatedly saying, I can’t breathe. Despite the circumstances, no one was prosecuted over his death. The event served as a somber reminder of the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, which revealed a systemic problem. Since then, 617 First Nations people have died in custody. In the 2024-2025 financial year, Australia recorded a concerning 33 Indigenous deaths in custody – the highest number since monitoring began in 1979, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. Silva’s words reflected the sentiments of many, vowing to continue the fight for justice and accountability. The protesters’ chants of We’ll be back and See you on Invasion Day, following the peaceful dispersal, signal their determination to continue their activism and challenge the government’s policies. The planned rallies for January 26th, Invasion Day, are now under negotiation with the police, suggesting the continuation of the dialogue surrounding protest rights and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous justice.Following the dispersal, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna expressed satisfaction with how the situation unfolded, noting the peaceful nature of the event and the absence of arrests. However, the protesters’ determination remains undeterred. They vowed to return to continue their advocacy efforts, vowing to return with chants such as We’ll be back, and See you on Invasion Day. The emphasis on Invasion Day indicates a focus on the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. The protesters are now negotiating with organizers regarding the rallies planned for January 26th, signaling the ongoing engagement between law enforcement and those seeking to challenge the new legislation and raise awareness about Indigenous issues. This ongoing dialogue reflects the complex interplay between freedom of assembly, public safety concerns, and the need for accountability in addressing the historical and ongoing concerns around Aboriginal deaths in custody and the broader issues of Indigenous rights in Australia. The situation highlights the delicate balance between upholding the law, protecting the rights of Indigenous communities, and facilitating peaceful protest
Protest Indigenous Rights Police New South Wales Deaths In Custody
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fatberg the size of four buses likely birthed poo balls that closed Sydney beachesExclusive: Secret report suggests fats, oils and grease accumulate in ‘inaccessible dead zone’ at Malabar plant, then dislodge when pumping pressure ‘rapidly increases’
Read more ”
Sydney Beaches Closed Due to Fatberg: Secret Report Reveals Source of Debris BallsA secret report details how a massive fatberg within Sydney’s sewer system, potentially the size of four buses, is the likely cause of the debris balls that closed Sydney beaches. Fixing the issue poses a significant challenge, potentially requiring months-long beach closures due to necessary maintenance and sewage diversion.
Read more ”
Heritage Orders Freeze Sydney Housing Projects, Protecting Century-Old HomesHeritage protection orders have stopped the demolition of century-old homes in Sydney’s Mosman and Neutral Bay suburbs, creating delays for housing projects due to community opposition and concerns over preserving historic properties amid the housing crisis.
Read more ”
Donald Trump threatens tariffs on countries that don’t support Greenland takeover planLarge demonstrations are planned across Denmark and Greenland this weekend to protest against Trump’s plan.
Read more ”
90th Anniversary Commemorates Torres Strait Islanders’ Strike Against DiscriminationA ceremony on Thursday Island marked the 90th anniversary of the Torres Strait Islanders’ strike in 1936 against discriminatory practices in the pearling industry. The strike, a pivotal moment in the fight for Indigenous rights, saw Islanders protest against restrictive laws and unfair labor conditions imposed by the Queensland Government Protector. The event highlighted the long-standing impact of these historical injustices and the importance of recognizing the struggles of the Torres Strait Islander people.
Read more ”
Dozens of WA fishers congregate to protest against ban on demersal fishingDozens of disgruntled fishers have journeyed through the streets of Perth to protest against the state government’s decision to ban demersal fishing, as the WA Premier Roger Cook confirmed he planned to meet with the industry.
Read more “
