NSW Police warn ‘zero tolerance’ ahead of ‘bashing day’ at Sydney’s Cronulla beach
Police have warned they will have “zero tolerance” for protests in the wake of the Bondi terror attack after a NSW man allegedly called for a “bashing day” at the site of the Cronulla riots.
Ryder Roy Shaw, 20, appeared before Gosford Local Court earlier this week and was charged over a social media post in which police allegedly urged protesters to go to the south Sydney beach “with the intent to incite violence”.
He was accused of using a transport service to threaten, harass, offend and publicly threaten violence on grounds of race or religion.
Mr Shaw remains in custody and has not entered a plea.
On Friday police said they were aware of social media posts allegedly calling for violent action at Cronulla beach on Saturday.
It comes after NSW Police were given extraordinary new powers following the Bondi Beach terror attack.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon quickly issued a statement calling for a 14-day ban on public gatherings across the entire Sydney metropolitan area as part of the reforms.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Brendan Gorman said the Force has “zero tolerance for any behavior that threatens social cohesion in our state”.
“Everyone in NSW deserves to be safe and feel safe,” he said.
“Now is not the time for any behavior that will cause division in our society,” he said.
Gatherings will still be permitted, but police may issue orders to take action against anyone who causes obstruction (the power to protest often carries charges that prevent protection) or behaves in an intimidating or abusive manner, or is likely to cause or cause fear to another person.
Police will also have the authority to request protesters suspected of committing crimes to remove their face masks for identification purposes.
“Police officers are on duty to keep the community safe and will be ready to respond to anyone promoting violence or hatred, committing violent offenses or engaging in anti-social behaviour, harassment or intimidation,” Mr Gorman said.
Action will be taken against anyone who engages in criminal activities motivated by hatred.”
Mr Lanyon’s declaration will remain in effect until January 7.
Prime Minister Chris Minns has repeatedly warned that there will be “zero tolerance” for any action that could threaten social cohesion.
