The Australian state of New South Wales is proposing to ban public shows of Islamic State group flags or extremist symbols after a mass capturing pushed by antisemitism killed 15 folks at Sydney’s Bondi Seashore.
Below draft legal guidelines to be debated by the state Parliament, publicly displaying the IS flag or symbols from different extremist teams might be offenses punishable by as much as two years in jail and fines.
The state’s premier, Chris Minns, additionally mentioned chants of “globalize the intifada” might be banned and police could be given higher powers to demand protesters take away face coverings at demonstrations.
“Hate speech or incitement of hatred has no place in our society,” Minns mentioned Saturday.
The Arabic phrase intifada is translated as “rebellion.”
Whereas pro-Palestinian demonstrators say the slogan describes the worldwide protests in opposition to the battle in Gaza, which has killed over 70,000 Palestinians, Jewish leaders say it inflames tensions and encourages assaults on Jews.
“Horrific, latest occasions have proven that the mantra ‘globalize the intifada’ is hate speech and encourages violence in our group,” Minns informed reporters. “You’re operating a really dangerous racket in the event you’re considering of utilizing that phrase.”
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New South Wales politicians are anticipated to debate the reforms on Monday after the premier recalled parliament.
Police mentioned Sunday’s assault, focusing on a Hanukkah celebration on Australia’s most well-known seaside, was “a terrorist assault impressed by (the) Islamic State ” group. Police mentioned they discovered two do-it-yourself IS flags within the automobile utilized by the 2 suspects.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to introduce measures to curb radicalization and hate, together with broadening the definition of hate speech offenses for preachers and leaders who promote violence, and toughening punishments for such crimes.
The proposals would additionally designate some teams as hateful and permit judges to think about hate as an aggravating consider instances of on-line threats and harassment.
Albanese has additionally introduced plans to tighten Australia’s already strict gun legal guidelines.
The prime minister, who joined the Jewish group at Sydney’s Nice Synagogue on Friday, mentioned “the spirit of our Jewish Australian group is totally unbreakable.”
“Irrespective of how darkish issues have been, and proceed to be, mild will triumph,” he added.
Authorities mentioned the nation will maintain a Nationwide Day of Reflection on Sunday, the ultimate day of Hanukkah, in honor of the victims.
Flags might be flown at half-mast from all official buildings, and Albanese will be a part of others at Bondi on Sunday to watch a minute of silence at 6:47 p.m., the time when police obtained the primary stories of gunfire.
Police and group leaders have additionally pointed to the actions of Ahmed Al Ahmed, a Syrian-born man, who helped folks flee the scene throughout the assault.
An Australian enterprise listed a fundraiser on GoFundMe that has raised greater than $2.5 million for Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed, who tackled one of many perpetrators to the bottom.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
