Thousands gathered in Sydney last week to protest Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit and demand justice and accountability after more than two years of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
What we witnessed was an enormous display of people power and shocking scenes of police brutality. At least 27 people were arrested, and many were subjected to disproportionate and unnecessary force. This violent crackdown wasn’t an anomaly; it occurred against the backdrop of our governments introducing a suite of rushed laws that criminalise peaceful protest.
Now more than ever, it is time to defend this fundamental freedom. Join us next Thursday to learn about the right to protest and how we can protect it.
Online event: Fighting Back for Protest Rights
Thursday, 26 February 2026
6:30pm AEDT
Amnesty International Australia’s Occupied Palestinian Territory Spokesperson, Mohamed Duar, will be joined by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism, Professor Ben Saul, and Protest Rights Campaigner at the Australian Democracy Network, Anastasia Radievska, to break down the threats we face to peaceful protest – and how you can be a part of the fight back.
Right now, we are seeing arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement, particularly against vulnerable and marginalised communities. The video evidence is undeniable and disturbing. First Nations Peoples, Muslim worshippers and leaders, as well as elderly protesters were subjected to excessive use of force, including pepper spray, police on horseback charging into crowds, and officers boxing protesters in with no safe avenue to disperse.
The right to protest is protected under international law – but what we witnessed on Monday night was a serious assault on those rights and a deeply troubling display of state sanctioned violence. Join us next Thursday to hear from experts on why our right to protest is vital to a free society and how we can ensure everyone, everywhere, can safely exercise it.
Authorities are clearly attempting to intimidate, stifle and silence protest – but the Australian people will not be deterred. Together, we’ll discuss how we can stand up to protect our freedoms and keep fighting for human rights and dignity for all.
Authorities are clearly attempting to intimidate, stifle and silence protest – but the Australian people will not be deterred.
Protest has always been at the heart of the fight for human rights globally and in Australia, including advancing First Nations justice, securing marriage equality, and helping end the Vietnam and Iraq wars. We cannot afford to lose our ability to stand up for justice and to make the world a better place.
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all – and we can only do it with your support.
Act now or learn more about our human rights work.
