Jewish groups horrified at prominent protesters sporting the Hamas symbol in Melbourne

Pro-Palestine activists have been seen sporting a banned terror symbol at a public protest – and they could face up to one year in prison.

Police have been alerted after pro-Palestine protesters were seen openly displaying the logo of a terror group at a Victorian rally.

Horrified Jewish groups raised the alarm after photos of several prominent protesters sporting the Hamas symbol in Melbourne were uploaded to social media.

Hamas was listed a terrorist organisation “in its entirety” under the criminal code by the Australian federal government in March 2022.

Hamas’ paramilitary wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, was previously listed as a terrorist organisation from 2003.

Police have been alerted to protesters openly displaying the Hamas symbol. Picture: David Crosling

The criminal code bans the public display of prohibited terrorist organisation symbols. The punishment for this crime is up to one year in prison.

Last week, several activists were seen wearing the Hamas emblem, including Mohammad Sharab who is currently facing charges of kidnap, false imprisonment, armed robbery, threats to kill, intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, unlawful assault and assault with a weapon.

The alleged attack happened in Sunshine in February.

Mr Sharab is a regular speaker at the pro-Palestine rallies in Melbourne’s CBD and has been seen at several controversial university protests, despite having no affiliation with the education facilities, where he has allegedly blocked Jewish students from entering buildings.

Mohammad Sharab seen wearing the Hamas emblem at a rally at Federation Square. Picture: Brendan Beckett

The Herald Sun understands several complaints have been made to Australian Federal Police (AFP) about display of the Hamas symbol.

A spokesman for the AFP said it was aware of the protests being “used to amplify the messaging of extremist groups” and was monitoring closely.

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) said it called on authorities to “apply the full force of the law”.

“The hatred, intimidation and support for violence that we see in these anti-Israel marches are escalating,” ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said.

The Zionist Federation of Australia is calling on authorities to ‘apply the full force of the law’. Picture: David Crosling

“Now the symbol of terrorist organisation Hamas is proudly on display, in an open challenge to Australian social cohesion and law enforcement officials.

He added: “We call on authorities to apply the full force of the law, to stamp out this increasingly overt support for terrorism.

“We have been calling out the hatred and antisemitism on display at these marches for months. It is frightening and intimidating.”

Mr Leibler also said it was a line in the sand for Greens MPs and senators, who had previously supported the rallies.

“The Greens have long endorsed anti-Israel marches, and have spoken at them,” he said.

“Hatred has now crossed the line into overt support for a terrorist organisation. Will the Greens finally disavow future attendance at these marches, or will they associate themselves with people of violence?”

The AFP confirmed it would act if it saw offences being committed.

“The AFP is aware of continuing protests and physical demonstrations used to amplify the messaging of extremist groups, including use of gestures,” a spokesman said.

“The community can be assured that law enforcement remains alert to these protests and activities closely, and if there is evidence of criminal activity, such as the incitement or urging of violence, law enforcement – including the AFP – will act.”

He added: “Where an individual is suspected of committing a Commonwealth offence, irrespective of background or race, the AFP will act to investigate and prosecute these individuals to protect Australians and the Australian community.

“There are very specific elements set out in the Criminal Code that must be met in order to charge an individual with a terrorism offence. Where these elements have not been met, police can consider alternative offences where appropriate.”