AFP crackdown on activists wearing terrorist symbols at pro-Palestine rallies

Images of activists, including children, wearing terrorist insignia at pro-Palestine rallies have been referred by Victoria Police to the Australian Federal Police.

Disturbing images of activists and children wearing clothing items emblazoned with terrorist insignia at pro-Palestine rallies across the country have been referred by Victoria Police to the Australian Federal Police.

The Australian has obtained evidence of children wearing Hamas-style logos at a Melbourne protest led by prominent activist and restaurateur Hash Tayeh, who is being investigated for inciting hatred after declaring all Zionists were terrorists.

Burgertory boss Hash Tayeh with child wearing Hamas-style headband at a pro-Palestine rally on Sunday, July 21. Picture: Wardenclyffe Photography

Victoria Police said it had referred to the AFP the images of terrorist symbols being worn in public rallies. The Australian has approached the AFP for comment.

During a rally in Melbourne on Sunday, one child could be seen wearing a Hamas-style headband with “I love chocolate” written across it.

Independent senator Lidia Thorpe sparked outrage after donning the insignia in a now deleted social media post.

Man wears military uniform with a Jordanian Keffiyeh during the 41st pro-Palestinian protest in Melbourne.

Pro-Palestine activists in Melbourne were previously spotted displaying and wearing Hezbollah and Hamas emblems, despite criminal legislation outlawing use of the two terror groups' symbols.

The Australian understands the Free Palestine Printing business was responsible for selling merchandise with Hamas emblems.

One design appeared to feature a Hamas member wearing the terror group’s associated headband, while “boycott Israel” stickers, signs reading “Zionism is Terrorism” and a colouring book for children with maps of Israel replaced by Palestine were also on display.

They appear to be sold exclusively at rallies.

A picture of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu depicting ‘war pig’ during a Melbourne protest.

During Sunday’s protest, Mr Tayeh was pictured addressing the crowd, with a child wearing a Hamas-style headband and an upside down red triangle painted on his face to resemble a Hamas target standing next to him.

The Australian understands the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions will decide whether to press charges against Mr Tayeh for inciting hatred against Australian Jewish people.

Mr Tayeh was questioned by Victoria Police over the possibility of infringing hate speech. The Burgertory Burgers restaurant chain founder said he was prepared to fight any charges.

The Islamic Council of Victoria said Mr Tayeh was subjected to a vicious “smear campaign”.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin called the protest a show of thuggery.