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Protest groups turn on each after after Land Forces expo

A major anti-war crew has declared “enough is enough” as factions emerge between two of the largest protest groups after the disastrous Land Forces rallies.

‘Dangerous fools’: Violent Melbourne protesters slammed in open letter

A major anti-war crew has declared “enough is enough” as factions emerge between two of the largest protest groups following the disastrous Land Forces weapons expo rallies.

Cracks have publicly emerged between the Liberation Crew and the Sit-Intifada groups after a “premeditated verbal attack” was launched at one of groups hosting a rally.

The Liberation Crew – who perform peaceful demonstrations across town – have accused fellow pro-Palestine group Sit-Intifada of hurling expletives at them prior to a demonstration on Spencer St during the week.

The peaceful demonstration, led by Hash Tayeh, reportedly involved a reenactment of “the massacre at Al-Tabaeen school” which is understood to be quite confronting yet “powerful”.

The Liberation Crew said the woman was shouting ‘motherfu–er! F— you’ during the demonstration which was extremely “traumatic” for the children participating in the stunt.

“It was not just upsetting – it was deeply disrespectful to both our faith and our cause, and traumatic, especially for the children who have shown such courage in reenacting these atrocities,” a statement read.

Anti-war activists protest the Land Forces expo. Picture: Jake Nowakowski
Anti-war activists protest the Land Forces expo. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“There is a way to disagree with your fellow activists that does not involve abuse, disrespect, or public humiliation.

“If you take issue with our presence or our methods, please take it up respectfully with the organisers rather than belittling and humiliating your fellow Palestinians in front of the police, the media and the world.

“I don’t know if you noticed, but The Australian, the Herald Sun, and Channel 9 were right there.”

They claimed to have been targeted twice by the group but are now willing to call them out publicly.

“For the sake of the movement, we have kept our silence – twice now – choosing not to retaliate,” the statement continued.

“But enough is enough. Bullies must be called out for their actions.

“SitInDivision, shame on you for your actions last night and for your continued bullying, intimidation and discrimination.”

Hash Tayeh adddress the crowd. Picture: Wayne Taylor
Hash Tayeh adddress the crowd. Picture: Wayne Taylor

According to The Australian, the Liberation Crew were disgruntled with Sit-Intifada’s leader Ihab Al Azhari after his comments toward Victorian police officers.

He reportedly told police, who were blocking anti-war protesters at Spencer St, that he wished they experienced the same “suffering the children from Gaza see”.

He was also pictured in striking photographs pressing his body against the mounted branch during Wednesday’s shameful scenes in Melbourne.

More than 40 people were arrested and protesters have since been accused of shocking acts of animal cruelty.

Frontline police also faced heavy criticism for deploying rubber bullets and stun grenades at crowds on Wednesday.

The Sit-Intifada group has been contacted for comment.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/protest-groups-turn-on-each-after-after-land-forces-expo/news-story/4ca73685e9f4f5e17177438e609fac9e