A brutal mass shooting on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where 15 people were killed, has spurred New South Wales to draft laws that could ban the public display of Islamic State flags and other extremist symbols.
Draft Laws Target Extremist Symbols
The proposed legislation would make it an offence to display the IS flag or symbols from other extremist groups in public spaces. Convictions could result in up to two years’ imprisonment and fines. The bill also seeks to prohibit chants such as “globalize the intifada,” and would grant police greater authority to require protesters to remove face coverings during demonstrations.
Premier Chris Minns Speaks Out
Premier Chris Minns said the chant “globalize the intifada” is hate speech that fuels violence. “Horrific, recent events have shown that the chant ‘globalize the intifada’ is hate speech and encourages violence in our community,” he told reporters. He added, “You’re running a very risky racket if you’re thinking of using that phrase.” Minns noted that the Arabic word intifada is generally translated as “uprising.” While pro-Palestinian demonstrators claim the slogan reflects global protests against the war in Gaza, Jewish leaders argue it inflames tensions and encourages attacks on Jews.
Police Describe the Attack as Terrorist
Police said the attack, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration on Australia’s most famous beach, was “a terrorist attack inspired by (the) Islamic State” group. They found two homemade IS flags in the vehicle used by the two suspects. The police also confirmed that one suspect, Sajid Akram, was shot dead on Sunday, while his son, Naveed Akram, 24, remains in custody in a New South Wales hospital. Naveed has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and committing a terrorist act, and police are reviewing the evidence against him.
Federal Response and Broader Measures
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to introduce measures to curb radicalisation and hate. His proposals would broaden the definition of hate-speech offences for preachers and leaders who promote violence, toughen punishments for such crimes, designate some groups as hateful, and allow judges to consider hate as an aggravating factor in cases of online threats and harassment. Albanese also announced plans to tighten Australia’s already strict gun laws.
During a visit to Sydney’s Great Synagogue, Albanese said, “the spirit of our Jewish Australian community is completely unbreakable.” He added, “Australia will not allow these evil antisemitic terrorists to divide us. No matter how dark things were, and continue to be, light will triumph.”
National Day of Reflection
Authorities will hold a National Day of Reflection on Sunday, the final day of Hanukkah, to honour the victims. Flags will be flown at half-mast from all official buildings, and Albanese will join others at Bondi on Sunday to observe a minute of silence at 6:47 p.m., the time when police received the first reports of gunfire.
Antisemitism Context
The attack has raised questions about whether Australian Jews are sufficiently protected from rising antisemitism. Australia has a population of 28 million, including about 117,000 who are Jewish. Antisemitic incidents-assaults, vandalism, threats and intimidation-surged more than threefold in the country during the year after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel launched a war on Hamas in Gaza in response, according to the government’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal’s July report.
Key Takeaways
- New South Wales proposes banning IS flags and extremist symbols, with penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment.
- Premier Minns condemns the chant “globalize the intifada” as hate speech.
- Police confirm the Bondi Beach attack was a terrorist act inspired by the Islamic State, with two homemade flags found.
- Prime Minister Albanese vows to broaden hate-speech laws and tighten gun control.
- A National Day of Reflection will observe a minute of silence at 6:47 p.m. on Sunday.
The sweeping legislative proposals and national response underscore the urgency of addressing extremism and antisemitism in Australia following the tragic Bondi Beach shooting.
