The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) acknowledges that Israeli President Isaac Herzog is visiting Canberra.
The AFPA recognises and supports people’s right to protest lawfully and asks that protest activity be conducted with respect for the community, for other viewpoints, and for the ACT Policing and AFP officers tasked with keeping everyone safe.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said ACT Policing and AFP officers will be on the ground to ensure protest activity remains lawful and to prevent unlawful or harmful behaviour.
“Peaceful protest is a core democratic right. People can express strong views while remaining lawful, safe, and respectful.
“Our members are there to protect everyone’s right to be heard. They are not there to be abused or assaulted,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA understands that tensions around major international visits can run high, and ACT Policing and AFP officers will act professionally and fairly.
Mr Caruana said that if you want your message to cut through, do it lawfully and do it without intimidation, violence, or threats.
“Respect costs nothing. It keeps people safe and protects everyone’s right to protest.
“Any assault, spitting, throwing objects, or attempts to breach police lines will be managed accordingly. Those types of actions do not advance a cause, and they put the community at risk, including bystanders and fellow activists and protesters,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA urged all participants to follow police directions and keep the focus on lawful conduct.
Media Contact AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts, (02) 6285 1677, troy.r@afpa.org.au
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) acknowledges that Israeli President Isaac Herzog is visiting Canberra.
The AFPA recognises and supports people’s right to protest lawfully and asks that protest activity be conducted with respect for the community, for other viewpoints, and for the ACT Policing and AFP officers tasked with keeping everyone safe.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said ACT Policing and AFP officers will be on the ground to ensure protest activity remains lawful and to prevent unlawful or harmful behaviour.
“Peaceful protest is a core democratic right. People can express strong views while remaining lawful, safe, and respectful.
“Our members are there to protect everyone’s right to be heard. They are not there to be abused or assaulted,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA understands that tensions around major international visits can run high, and ACT Policing and AFP officers will act professionally and fairly.
Mr Caruana said that if you want your message to cut through, do it lawfully and do it without intimidation, violence, or threats.
“Respect costs nothing. It keeps people safe and protects everyone’s right to protest.
“Any assault, spitting, throwing objects, or attempts to breach police lines will be managed accordingly. Those types of actions do not advance a cause, and they put the community at risk, including bystanders and fellow activists and protesters,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA urged all participants to follow police directions and keep the focus on lawful conduct.
Media Contact AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts, (02) 6285 1677, troy.r@afpa.org.au
