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Australia Bans Protests in Sydney for 14 Days After Bondi Beach Attack

By The South Asia Times

SYDNEY - Australian authorities have imposed a two-week ban on public protests across large parts of Sydney, citing heightened security concerns following a deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people earlier this month, according to ABC News and official police statement.

The ban was enacted after the New South Wales (NSW) Police Commissioner activated newly approved emergency powers, allowing police to designate certain areas as “restricted” from public assemblies following a declared terrorist incident. Under the declaration, public gatherings are prohibited in the South West Metropolitan, North West Metropolitan and Central Metropolitan areas of Sydney for 14 days.

The decision follows the passage of sweeping reforms to NSW gun ownership and protest laws, rushed through parliament after a marathon debate on Christmas Eve in response to the December 14 attack. The laws allow the protest ban to be extended every fortnight for up to three months.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Layon said protests at this time would “aggravate fear and divisiveness in the community,” stressing that the measures were aimed at maintaining public safety during a sensitive period. Any gathering held during the ban will be deemed unauthorised, with participants losing legal protections under the Summary Offences Act. Events previously approved have also been revoked.

However, civil rights groups and activists have criticised the move, calling it a disproportionate restriction on peaceful protest. Critics argue the ban appears to disproportionately affect demonstrations against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, noting that Sydney had recently witnessed massive rallies condemning Israeli atrocities and barbarism against Palestinians.

Human rights organisations warned that blanket bans on peaceful assembly undermine democratic freedoms and risk setting a dangerous precedent. They urged authorities to ensure security measures do not target specific political viewpoints.

The NSW government said it is also considering additional security and public order measures in the coming weeks, while maintaining that the restrictions are temporary and driven solely by safety concerns amid ongoing security assessments.