Sydney Censors Mourning, Citing 'Crowd Crush' Concerns
A recent NSW court decision prohibited a pro-Palestine march to the Sydney Opera House, citing police 'safety concerns' about a crowd crush. The march, organized by Palestine Action Group and Jews Against Occupation for October 12, sought to mark two years since the current conflict escalated and call for an end to what they term 'genocide in Gaza.' Sydney authorities, known for policing extensive
annual Mardi Gras parades, New Year's Eve fireworks, and numerous sporting events without similar 'crowd crush' anxieties, appear to have very selective concerns about large gatherings. One might wonder if the real 'safety concern' isn't the crowd itself, but perhaps the message the crowd carries. It seems some voices are simply too uncomfortable to be heard in front of national landmarks. Free
speech, it appears, comes with a rather convenient set of geographical restrictions.