20 arrested at Brisbane Roma Street rally over banned slogans under new Queensland laws
Police arrested 20 people after they entered a pro-Palestinian rally in Brisbane where nearly 300 people were heard chanting “river to sea”, in the first major test of Queensland’s new hate speech laws.
The demonstration was held on Saturday afternoon at Emma Miller Pl on Roma Street; Protesters gathered to oppose legislation passed by parliament on March 5, which strengthened penalties for violations of gun laws and made the slogans “from river to sea” and “globalize the intifada” illegal when used in certain contexts.
As the rally heated up, protesters defiantly chanted “river to sea” and some displayed the phrase on banners, prompting police intervention.
Police officers moved to make arrests at the scene before some protesters moved to the Brisbane observatory, where further arrests were made outside the building.
Queensland Police confirmed a total of 20 people were detained.
The police filed a total of 14 charges of exhibiting prohibited expressions and seven charges of memorizing prohibited expressions.
The arrests come as authorities continue to enforce new laws that have previously led to criminal charges since they came into force last month.
Liam Parry, 33, became the first person to be charged under the law following a protest outside Queensland Parliament House on March 11.
Mr Parry faces reciting or publicly displaying a prohibited statement that could reasonably be expected to threaten, harass or disturb a member of the public.
Police said enforcement operations were continuing as they responded to protests in Brisbane and other parts of Queensland.
