‘Great risk’ as police gear up for protest clash

Extra police are called to deteriorate the concerns that pro -Palestinian protesters will cause destruction in a busy city area and prevent emergency workers from doing their jobs.

Free Palestinian protesters are expected to walk in Melbourne CBD on Sunday and aim to prevent the King Street Bridge.

Victoria Police Chief Troy Papworth said that civil servants were trying to interact with the organizers to change the planned action, but these initiatives failed.

The Minister warned that the protest was a “big risk” and will ultimately prevent emergency services from fulfilling their duties.

“It is a risk that we cannot take and we will not stop for it,” Supt Papworth told journalists on Friday, “Knowing a large street throughout the city.” He said.

He continued: “We tried to interact with this group and we strongly encouraged to change their plans and not to invade the bridge.”

Supt Papworth warned people against great interruptions, in September 2024, referring to the scenes that witnessed during the land forces in which protesters clashed with the police and dozens of arrest.

“We have intelligence assets on a small group of people aiming to face confrontation and interesting behaviors in this protest.”

“If people do criminal behaviors, they may expect to be arrested and to be handled.”

Police will go to the streets on Sunday, some officers are asked to work on rest days, while others will be re -deployed from the other four regions, including Geelong.

“This will have financial effects.” He said.

Thousands are expected to participate in a separate protest at the Sydney Harbor Bridge on Sunday.

The NSW police tried to declare the rally unauthorized, which will give the officers the power to arrest the participants because they prevented traffic.

A petition that wants the march to continue has attracted more than 15,000 signatures.

Naarm, the Free Palestinian coalition, said he would be in solidarity with communities in Sydney on Sunday.

“Bring pots and pans to emphasize the hunger produced in Gaza,” organizers, “Gaza.” He said.

“These closures are preparing for international mass strikes, sanctions and blocks to end Israel’s unpunished.”

The police called on the organizers in Melbourne to reconsider their plans and said that the 92th pro -Palestinian Rally Victoria police have achieved since October 7, 2023.

Energy Minister Lily D’Embrosio swore on Friday to protest activities that block emergency services.

“What I say about next weekend will be no tolerance for any protest that prevents or intervenes for the safe passing of emergency service vehicles on the roads.” He said.