Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson says new video has revealed the real risk, harm and impunity that occurs from neo-Nazi and Nationalist rallies with two brothers, Shamikh and Majed Dadra, who were assaulted on a Sydney train by participants of the so-called ‘March for Australia’ rally that occurred in Sydney last Sunday.
Ms Higginson said, ‘I am really concerned about Premier Chris Minns’ lack of leadership on the terrifying rupture of neo-Nazis and racism in our community.
‘Before the rally on Sunday, Premier Chris Minns encouraged people to trust the police to manage the protest, but like everyone, he knew the protest was being organised by Nazis and fuelled by white supremacy.
‘Labor Premier Chris Minns has led the way in demonising the community when they speak out against the Israeli military, but he took a hands off approach when literal Nazis organised a hate event in the heart of Sydney,’ she said.
‘This footage is horrific, it’s frightening, and it’s happened because political leaders and the media have vilified people of colour, fed extreme right-wing ideologies and tolerated Nazi organised events. We cannot accept our elected representatives, in a democracy, taking a softly softly approach in the face of proto-facists, while simultaneously attacking our fundamental right to protest.’
Law breakers
Sue Higginson said, ‘The attendees of these rallies, when they engage in racism, violence and intimidation, are breaking the laws of NSW. We do not need to shut down protests, or attack the right to protest – we need the police and politicians to clearly enforce laws that exist to prevent racism, bigotry and violence.
‘These brilliant and creative brothers, subjected to racist attacks, are a sign that Premier Chris Minns and all political leaders are failing to prevent the rise of neo-Nazism in NSW. Political violence, racial violence, the generation of hate based on identity – these things must be called out early and often,’ she said.
‘There is now another nationwide rally being planned by the same people as the ones who caused these assaults to happen.
‘I welcome Premier Chris Minns, Mark Speakman, and all democratic leaders to stand up now and say ‘No’ – these rallies are not appropriate and where crimes of vilification or violence happen, the police will act to stop these dangerous events from occurring,’ Ms Higginson said.
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