Pro-Palestinian protesters have repeatedly disrupted a university lecture by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, forcing her to leave the stage.
The moment unfolded during Ms Wong’s Sir James Plimsoll Lecture at the University of Tasmania on Tuesday night, where she was due to speak about international relations, policymaking and the strategic issues facing Australia’s foreign policy.
But protesters shouted at Ms Wong and interrupted her speech on multiple occasions.
They criticized the government’s policy on the conflagration between Israel and Gaza and asked it to sanction the Jewish state, according to ABC.
A university official tried to calm the protesters, but the interjections continued and Ms Wong became frustrated as she tried to continue her speech.
“Part of what I’m doing in this speech, for anyone who wants to talk but not listen, is actually trying to lay out some of what we’re doing in relation to what’s happening in Gaza and what we’re doing in relation to Lebanon.” “, said.
“So it’s disappointing that people don’t really want to hear some of the facts about what the government is trying to do in this situation.”
Hecklers were told to leave, but the comments continued.
Pro-Palestinian protesters repeatedly disrupted a university lecture by Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured), forcing her to leave the stage.
Protesters shouted at Ms Wong and interrupted her speech on multiple occasions. Pro-Palestinian protesters in Sydney
“Our friends and family are in a total state of absolute fear,” said one audience member.
“Please listen to the people who give you the power to do your job, that’s what you are, you are our representative,” said another.
Mrs. Wong responded.
‘Do you want to hear what I have to say? Or do you just want to yell at me? she asked.
Protesters were also outside the venue holding signs criticizing Ms Wong.
Relentless pro-Palestine protests have broken out across Australia following the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The war between Israel and Gaza has escalated over the past year and has now expanded to include parts of Lebanon as Israel’s move against the Shiite terrorist group Hezbollah.
Israel’s campaign has resulted in thousands of Palestinian civilian deaths.
Universities have become centers of activism in recent months, and student activists have created pro-Palestinian camps at multiple universities.
The University of Tasmania has been contacted for comment.