Pro-Palestine protesters stage protest at Melbourne’s Chadstone shopping centre on Boxing Day

Australia’s biggest shopping centre has been targeted by pro-Palestine activists who told Boxing Day shoppers that ‘while you’re shopping, bombs are dropping’.

The nation’s biggest shopping centre was targeted by pro-Palestine activists who staged a leaflet drop on one of the busiest days in the retail calendar.

Protesters, some of whom were wearing keffiyehs or masks that hid or partially concealed their faces, held a demonstration at Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre on Boxing Day.

Pictures and videos posted on social media showed the small but targeted group dropping leaflets and holding signs that read “While you’re shopping, bombs are dropping” outside a Zara store.

It is understood the protest took place about 10.30am and that the activists left quickly, with some members of the group asked to leave by security.

Chadstone centre manager Daniel Boyle told The Australian the shopping precinct was committed to providing a “welcoming and inclusive” environment.

Pro-Palestine protesters at Chadstone shopping centre on Boxing Day. Picture: Twitter

“Chadstone’s shopping experience has and will remain free of any political platforms, advertising or statements. Our focus remains on delivering a world-class shopping experience, excellent customer service, and a wide range of unique retail offerings for visitors to enjoy,” he said.

He said people of all backgrounds should be able to enjoy the centre.

“We believe that by fostering a spirit of unity, inclusivity, and respect, we can continue to be Melbourne’s premium destination where all individuals feel welcome.”

Victoria Police said it was made aware of the demonstration.

“When police attended all those involved left. No offences were reported to police,” a spokesman said in a statement.

Chadstone extended its opening hours for Boxing Day and began trading from 6am on Tuesday, with the centre predicting it would welcome more than with 150,000 shoppers.

Palestine supporters have organised protests outside Zara stores in Melbourne in the past.

The Spanish fashion retailer faced backlash a few weeks ago over its advertising campaign that depicted mannequins with no limbs wrapped in white sheets.

The campaign caused people to call for a boycott of the brand, with critics believing the images drew similarities to corpses swaddled in white shrouds.

Pro-Palestine protesters at Chadstone shopping centre on Boxing Day. Picture: Twitter

The latest stunt from Palestine activists comes as Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox threatened people with a life suspension from the MCG if they staged a protest at the Boxing Day Test.

The MCC boss said he was “absolutely” comfortable in the venue’s security for the five-day event following the protest at Carols by Candlelight where pro-Palestine activists rushed the stage.

“If you look at the numbers through the gates, 4.2 million year to date without incident and one individual won’t make really any difference,” he said.

“We’ve got a huge security overlay here, a team of hundreds of people, so we’re very confident.”

He said more than 70,000 sports fans were expected on the grounds on Tuesday. Mr Fox said that anyone who decided to stage a protest would be kicked out and could face a life suspension.

“We usually deal with that post-game but people, depending on incidents, you can be suspended for five years or life,” Mr Fox said. “But we’re confident we’ll have a safe environment.”

Victorian Sports and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the state’s Christmas Eve carolling tradition was not the time to protest.

“I think people are there for a beautiful event which happens every year with family and a real sense of community and love. And I don’t think that’s the appropriate place to protest,” he said.

Chadstone, Melbourne, Australia - pro-Palestinian protestors many with their faces covered & heads wrapped in keffiyehs take to Chadstone shopping centre. Security on hand pic.twitter.com/nPhYLJdqvL

— Menachem Vorchheimer (@MenachemV) December 26, 2023

The minister said those purchasing tickets to the Boxing Day Test were subject to strict requirements. “I think there are strict rules that Cricket Australia has in relation that when you purchase a ticket to this beautiful event over the next four days, you do that with the understanding that you don’t make a political protest decisions while you’re here,” he said.

MCC CEO Stuart Fox at the MCG. Picture: David Crosling