Police investigating prohibited symbols at protest, woman charged

Sarah Mouhanna, 19, was allegedly wearing a Hezbollah flag around her shoulders at a protest in Sydney’s CBD has been charged with displaying a terrorist organisation symbol.

Investigators from Operation Shelter have released images of a woman they believe can assist with the ongoing investigation into a public order incident.

A teen has been charged with displaying a terrorist organisation’s symbol after she allegedly marched with a Hezbollah flag around her shoulders at a protest in Sydney’s CBD over the weekend.

Police launched a public appeal on Wednesday to identify a woman depicted at a pro-Palestine and Hezbollah protest in the city’s centre on Sunday as part of an investigation into alleged displays of prohibited symbols.

Just hours later, Sarah Mouhanna handed herself in at Kogarah police station, where she was arrested for questioning.

The 19-year-old woman has now been charged with causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol after police allege she had a yellow Hezbollah flag wrapped around her shoulders while marching with protesters.

Hezbollah, which traditionally represents the Lebanese Shia community, has seats in Lebanon’s parliament and has political, social and military components.

Its External Security Organisation has been listed as a terrorist organisation by the Australia government since June 2003.

Mouhanna leaving the police station. Picture: NewsWire

Picture: NSW Police

Police granted Mouhanna strict bail to be of good behaviour, not enter any international point of departure, and reside at an address in the Bayside Council area.

She is to appear for the first time at Downing Centre Local Court on October 23.

Officers first established Operation Shelter in October 2023 to ensure community safety in response to protest activity.

Officers attached to the operation had attended the pro-Palestine and Hezbollah protest in Sydney’s CBD around 12pm on Sunday, where Mouhanna was allegedly seen.

Like Australia, New Zealand and the European Union list Hezbollah’s military wing – which includes the ESO – as a terrorist organisation.

The United States, Canada and the United Kingdom regard the entirety of Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation.

A general image of the protest on Sunday. Picture: Jeremy Piper

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