Islamic Council of Victoria president backs October 7 ‘memorial’

The organisers of a “disgusting” rally – set for the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terror attack – are defying requests to cancel it, ­despite a major backdown from their NSW counterparts.

The organisers of a “disgusting” rally – set for the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terror attack – are continuing to defy requests to cancel it, ­despite a major backdown from their NSW counterparts.

It comes as Premier Jacinta Allan shirked responsibility for the “utterly unacceptable” rally, putting the onus on Victoria Police.

Despite mounting pressure, she continued to resist calls for a NSW-style permit system, arguing individuals with “hatred in their heart” would ignore the scheme.

“Victoria Police have the powers and the tools and the resources that they need to protect community safety, to move people on should they be threatening that community safety, (and) to deal with people who may be displaying deeply inappropriate flags and symbols,” she said.

The comments prompted Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to accuse her of “hiding ­behind an argument of ­convenience”.

Premier Jacinta Allan has rejected calls for protest permits. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

“The Premier is at odds with the majority of Victorians who would not support the celebration of death,” Mr Dutton said.

“What is the justification for the Premier here not to do everything at her disposal to stop these protests from taking place? If there is a will, there is a way to stop these protests.”

Former Premier Daniel ­Andrews also echoed calls – including from Anthony Albanese – for Monday’s rally to be cancelled, describing it as “shameful and disgusting”.

While Opposition Leader John Pesutto said the government should be getting advice on what avenues it could use to shut down the protest.

It came as pro-Palestine rally organisers in NSW abandoned a similar protest planned to take place at the Sydney Opera House on October 7 as police dragged them to court to block the rally.

Despite the NSW backdown, organisers continued to defy requests from politicians and Jewish leaders to cancel the Melbourne event, stating “plans remain the same”.

One of Victoria’s top Muslim leaders, Adel Salman, backed the organisers, claiming the ­Islamic community “needed” the event to grieve.

Peter Dutton is accusing the Victorian government of ‘hiding behind an argument of convenience’. Picture: Sky News

Leaders have condemned the planned protests. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“Holding a vigil on October 7th for the more than 40,000 lives lost in Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza is needed for the community to come together to share its deep grief and anguish and to remember and honour the victims,” Mr Salman, president of the Islamic Council of Victoria, told the Herald Sun.

As the debate raged on, Australian Federal Police launched a new operation investigating nine complaints about the ­alleged public display of banned symbols in Victoria, after protesters were seen waving the flag of the Hamas-aligned ­terrorist organisation Hezbollah.

An AFP spokesman said the nine investigations into the display of the symbols “while potentially inciting or advocating violence, or hatred, based on race and religion” were a priority.

The AFP has also offered support to state and territory police ahead of expected October 7 protests over the coming days.

Originally published as Islamic Council of Victoria president backs October 7 ‘memorial’