Protesters back pro-Palestine activist Hash Tayeh as he faces potential arrest

Palestinian activist and burger boss Hash Tayeh has told protesters “we will not be intimidated” as crowds rallied while he was questioned by police for allegedly inciting hatred.

Dozens of pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside a police station in Melbourne’s north on Friday where activist Hash Tayeh was expected to be arrested for allegedly inciting hatred.

It is understood the outspoken Palestinian campaigner and owner of restaurant chain Burgertory was advised to present himself at Fawkner police station on Friday morning to face questions over whether he has made anti-Semitic comments at rallies in the CBD.

However, police eventually questioned Mr Tayeh at Moonee Ponds police station on Friday morning.

Protesters began marching down Sydney Rd just before 11am, blocking traffic on one side of the road.

They made their way toward Mr Tayeh’s Coburg North Burgertory restaurant.

Following police questioning, Mr Tayeh addressed the dozens of protesters gathered outside the restaurant.

“We will not be intimidated,” he told the crowd.

“Our determination is unwavering and our fight for justice is relentless.

“My arrest today was a clear sign that this is is a war we are winning.

“They have been tirelessly lobbying … they are trying to use us as examples to instill fear.

“These cowards do not understand that we fight for something that is greater than every single one of us.

“We fight for the freedom and the liberation of Palestine.”

Hash Tayeh addresses protesters outside the Burgertory restaurant in Coburg North. Picture: Olivia Jenkins

Mr Tayeh chants ‘all Zionists are terrorists’. Picture: Olivia Jenkins

Protesters gather to support Hash Tayeh outside the Burgertory restaurant. Picture: Olivia Jenkins

Protesters say they ‘stand with Hash’. Picture: Olivia Jenkins

Mr Tayeh loudly declared: “All Zionists are terrorists” before the crowd began repeating the chant.

He told the Herald Sun the Director of Public prosecutions would decide whether he would be charged.

Mr Tayeh said it could take weeks to determine whether there is enough evidence to lay charges against him after police questioned him on Friday morning.

Earlier, uniform police monitored protesters, with many seen waving Palestinian flags and chanting “free free Palestine”.

The crowd also included members of the Jewish community who said they supported Mr Tayeh.

Protesters outside Fawkner police station could be heard beating drums and chanting: “stop the charges now”.

“I have never heard Hash say anything remotely anti-Semitic” one protester said.

“We stand with Hash and all parts of Palestine.”

Pro-Palestine protesters gather at Fawkner police station. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Crowds gather in support of Hash Tayeh. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Crowds chant ‘free free Hash, and free free Palestine’. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Protesters claim police questioning of Mr Yayeh is ‘unfair and a ‘targeted attack’. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

A University of Melbourne student, who risked expulsion by setting up encampments on the university’s campus, addressed the growing crowd, saying there had been “nothing unlawful” about protesting genocide against Palestinian civilians.

“Free free Hash, and free free Palestine,” she said.

One speaker who identified herself a Jewish woman said police’s request to question Mr Tayeh was an “unfair and targeted attack” on the businessman.

Meanwhile, several cars honked their horns in support the protesters, who waved flags at passing traffic.

A Victoria Police statement last week said it had received a complaint about anti-Semitic comments and that a “person of interest” has been identified.

“They have been contacted, both directly and through their legal representative, to arrange a time to be interviewed,” it said.