Israeli-Palestinian protest: Attorney General Michael Daley ‘not aware’ of protest at Sydney Opera House
The New South Wales attorney-general has admitted he was unaware of the chaotic pro-Palestinian protest outside the Sydney Opera House during an interview about the train wreck.
Michael Daley admitted on 2GB that he had no idea about the rally where protesters lit flares and chanted “gas the Jews” in front of the monument on Monday night.
“It’s not something that falls under my portfolio. I will have to get some details from the government and get back to you later if you wish,” Mr Daley said on Tuesday.
“I worked late last night so I didn’t really understand that no.”
New South Wales police are being criticized for allowing the gathering – while telling Australian Jews to “stay at home” for their own safety.
Pro-Palestinian protesters also burned the Star of David before stomping on it, while a counter-protester was arrested for attempting to fly the Israeli flag.
Pro-Palestinian protesters were allowed to chant “gas the Jews” and burn the Star of David in front of the Opera House on Monday evening.
Michael Daley admitted on 2GB that he was unaware of the chaotic protest at the monument on Monday evening because “I worked late last night”.
As Attorney General, Mr Daley is responsible for the administration of justice in New South Wales. He has held this position since March.
Several hundred people gathered on the steps of the Opera House, angry at the NSW government’s decision to light the sails blue and white – in support of Israel after Hamas killed at least 800 civilians over the weekend.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman called Mr Daley’s admission an “extraordinary confession”, a sentiment echoed by Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane.
Mr Daley further appeared to fumble during questioning while calling for respect from both sides in Sydney.
“I think everyone needs to calm down and like you say… stay home… what everyone needs to do is show restraint and respect. And calm down, said -he.
“I am satisfied that the police have the situation under control, as they always do.”
Ray Hadley said Mr Daley’s comments were “beyond belief”.
“For the attorney general to say that people should not take to the streets when his own prime minister has lit up the sails… lest they be attacked by these Hammas-supporting madmen is inconceivable.”
The rally, organized by Palestine Action Group Sydney, saw large numbers of pro-Palestinian activists gather at Town Hall in Sydney’s CBD before marching to the Opera House.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns announced on Sunday that the sails would be lit “in solidarity with the Jewish communities of New South Wales”.
Several hundred people gathered on the steps of the Opera House, unhappy with the NSW government’s decision to light the sails with the Zionist flag
Fire and smoke rise in Gaza City following an Israeli airstrike on Sunday in response to the devastating Hamas attack
Police are now being criticized for allowing the protest – while telling Australian Jews to “stay at home” for their own safety.
A man on social media has called on NSW police leaders to “resign immediately or be sacked” if they are unwilling or unable to protect Sydney’s Jews.
Hadley also called on football commentator Sonny Bill Williams to face consequences for his public support of Hamas’ actions.
“If brains were dynamite, Sonny Bill wouldn’t blow his ears off,” Hadley said.
“And it’s embarrassing to me and to others connected to this radio and television network that he is employed…and I think the CEO of this company should review his employment prospects.”
Williams shared an article by American law professor, author and controversial columnist Khaled Beydoun that said: “So Ukrainian civilians defending their families are ‘freedom fighters’… But Palestinians in Gaza doing EXACTLY the same thing are “terrorists”?
Williams reposted the comment with the 100 emoji to emphasize his approval, and the palm-up emoji to represent prayer.
Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, announced that the sails would be lit “in solidarity with the Jewish communities of New South Wales”.
Counter-protester arrested for attempting to wave Israeli flag at start of pro-Palestinian demonstration
