Melbourne protesters who waved Hezbollah flags during pro-Palestine rallies in the city over the weekend did not meet the “threshold” to be arrested, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Victoria Police said “prohibited flags” representing the militant group were seen being carried by a small group, who were not affiliated with organisers of the 600-person strong demonstration.
The Melbourne march was one of several organised across the country as part of a day of action for Gaza, as Israel’s offensive on the strip creeps into Lebanon.
Despite displaying images of the late leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organisation by Australia, the US, UK, and the EU.
Australian counter-terrorism laws state that publicly displaying a prohibited symbol is considered an offence in certain circumstances, but displaying a prohibited flag in isolation was not enough to charge an individual with a terrorism offence, as stated by the AFP.
While no arrests were made during the demonstration, Victoria Police intended to refer the protesters to the AFP for appropriate action.
Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the actions of the flag holders and called for accountability, emphasizing the need to strengthen anti-vilification powers in the state.
Shadow foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham called for swift government action against those promoting Hezbollah, emphasizing the illegality of celebrating terrorist organizations.