Victoria Police slam ‘disgusting’ behaviour at pro-Palestine rally

Police have slammed “hostile and disgusting” behaviour at a pro-Palestine rally after officers were allegedly pelted and one spat on.

Police have slammed “hostile and disgusting” behaviour at a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne afters objects were allegedly thrown at them and one officer spat on.

About 3000 people marched on the city’s CBD for the Free Palestine rally on Sunday, the 35th consecutive demonstration since the war in Gaza began in October.

Victoria Police told Nine officers were attempting to obtain the identity of a person who lit what appeared to be a flare when they were confronted by about 200 people.

“The group was extremely hostile and turned violent, throwing bottles and signs at police,” Victoria Police said, adding that pepper spray was subsequently deployed.

About 3000 people marched during the Free Palestine Rally. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Police allege the rally later turned violent. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Those claims were disputed by Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni who told 3AW police had used pepper spray before tensions erupted.

“I’m very disappointed in the actions of a few police that decided at that moment 35 weeks later ... that he’d decided to engage his pepper spray,” he said.

“The smoke emitter was not a flare, it was a smoke emitter – which as I understand it is not illegal to engage a smoke emitter.”

Asked about bottles being thrown at police, Mr Mashni said he had “not seen that vision” but would “condone no violence”, whether from protesters or police.

Nasser Mashni addressing the rally on Sunday. Picture: NewsWire / Tamati Smith

“I am against all violence. From what I’ve seen, there was a rash act by a police officer to engage in pepper spray with need. That vision is very clear,” he said.

Police have so far not made an arrests in relation to the protest, which they claim also say two police vehicles damaged, and were reviewing footage from the event.

It comes amid renewed tension in Australia over Israel’s seven month war in Gaza, with Greens leaders Adam Bandt under fire from both Labor and the Liberals.

Mr Bandt praised protestors in Melbourne on Sunday for showing up after 35 weeks and criticised any suggestion they were anything other than peaceful.

Greens leader Adam Bandt has come under for fire his comments about Israel. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Let me say this, not for your benefit because you know this already, but for their benefit, for everyone who has been slandering this movement for peace,” he said.

“We all know, there is no place for violence against people, against politicians, against the people who work for them, or against their offices.

“We all know that. What we are pushing for is peace. “Peace here and peace in Gaza. Peace for the Israelis and for the Palestinians. That is what we are pushing for.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier called out the Greens for what he said was “misinformation” and for participating in rallies outside the offices of Labor MPs.

Originally published as Victoria Police slam ‘disgusting’ behaviour at pro-Palestine rally