Pro-Palestine group shuts down major CBD intersection for an ‘emergency protest’
Pro-Palestine demonstrations caused massive delays for commuters on the eve of the Easter long weekend with a protest outside Flinders Street Station.
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Pro-Palestine demonstrations have caused massive traffic delays for commuters heading out of the city for the start of the Easter long weekend.
The demonstrators flocked to Flinders St for an “emergency protest” on Thursday.
Between chants of “free Palestine,” the crowd remained largely quiet as they sat and listened to the speakers.
Several police, including some on horseback, surrounded the protesters.
The activists held signs that read “your silence is violence” and “from the river to the sea”.
Free Palestine Melbourne group and other Palestine solidarity groups have called the “emergency protest” to “demand a halt to Israel’s expanding war”.
The intersection of Flinders and Swanston streets in the CBD is blocked in all directions, due to a demonstration. Avoid the area using Collins, Russell or Queen streets. Trams are disrupted. #victraffichttps://t.co/Ppq6VW3Pt8pic.twitter.com/ccu7s2iHo0
— VicTraffic (@VicTraffic) March 28, 2024
Palestinian advocate Nour Salman urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take action.
“We demand that the Australian Prime Minister Albanese and government take immediate action,” he said.
“We demand a full embargo on Israel across all trade exports and imports. We demand implementing immediate sanctions against Israel. The time to act is now.”
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said a “highly visible and agile police presence” will be present at Flinders St on Thursday along with specialist resources to respond to any “disruptive protest action”.
“We respect the right for individuals to protest peacefully, however we will not tolerate those who intentionally block roads and disrupt the lives of the broader community trying to get home or come into the CBD,” she said.
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