Pro-Palestine activists vow to keep fighting after bridge protest loss

Thursday, 21 August 2025 23:30

They marched out with a message today after Queensland's chief magistrate ruled the protest posed a significant risk to public safety.

Pro-Palestine supporters are vowing to keep fighting to protest on Brisbane's Story Bridge this weekend, despite being blocked in court.

They marched out with a message today after Queensland's chief magistrate ruled the protest posed a significant risk to public safety.

"We may not have had the judgment in our favour today but we will continue to fight for freedom and justice," Justice for Palestine Magan-djin's Rouba Rayan said outside court.

The group was knocked back from being allowed to protest on the Story Bridge on Sunday afternoon, with up to 10,000 people expected.

"Peaceful assembly is not unlawful," Justice for Palestine spokesperson Remah Naji said.

Police took court action to block the demonstration.

They cited concerns about being able to provide enough staff to police the route at short notice, disruption to emergency service routes and access to major hospitals, and increased traffic due to the Brisbane Lions AFL match nearby at the Gabba that evening.

"It is important that the Queensland Police Service supports our community, drives community safety," Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said.

Brisbane City Council was also concerned about the condition of the bridge's crumbling and blocked-off footpaths.

"Obviously, we're not suggesting that people don't have a right to protest, of course they do," Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

"Safety is the absolute critical thing here."

A NSW senior officer dialled in to discuss fears of a crowd crush if there is a similar situation to the recent Sydney Harbour Bridge protest.

Numbers on the bridge ballooned to an estimated 100,000 and attendees had to be turned around.

Magistrate Janelle Brassington said while she appreciated the Queensland group was responsible and had an important cause, she was ultimately convinced of the significant risk to public safety.

She ruled the march was unauthorised.

Naji said the group was considering its options in terms of an appeal.

Wildman urged potential protesters to obey the ruling.

"We have to make it quite clear that anyone participating in a protest which is not authorised, a protest march, not authorised, faces the prospect of enforcement action being taken against them," he said.

" … and we will have a significant policing presence this weekend to manage whatever response the protest organizers wish to take."

The group was offered two alternative routes including Victoria Bridge.

Tonight organisers said only the Story Bridge leg of the protest had been blocked and they were still planning to assemble peacefully at Raymond Park at 1pm on Sunday.

"Blocking us from marching over the bridge is a political decision that fundamentally undermines the democratic right to protest in this city," they said.

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