Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gather in Melbourne to show their support for sacked ABC star Antoinette Lattouf
Hundreds of people flooded the courtyard of Melbourne’s State Library amid another week of pro-Palestinian protests.
Sunday’s meeting renewed calls for a ceasefire in the bloody conflict between Israel and Palestine and showed support for journalist Antoinette Lattouf.
Ms Lattouf has launched legal proceedings against the ABC after she was fired in December, just three days after a week-long stint on Radio Sydney’s morning show.
She was released after sharing a post on social media about the conflict in Gaza.
The radio host claims she was discriminated against because of her Lebanese heritage and her political expression, allegations the broadcaster has denied.
Hundreds of people flooded the Melbourne State Library courtyard as another week of pro-Palestinian protests
Sunday’s meeting renewed calls for a ceasefire in the bloody conflict between Israel and Palestine and showed support for journalist Antoinette Lattouf
Speaking in support of Ms Lattouf at the Melbourne meeting was controversial feminist writer Clementine Ford, whose own podcast was axed over her support for Palestine.
“Proud to stand and speak with so many loyal activists calling for a #freePalestine,” Ms. Ford said on social media.
The State Library protest comes after a woman was arrested and pepper-sprayed when protesters clashed with police in Port Melbourne.
Up to 85 protesters gathered outside Webb Dock Drive on Friday afternoon in an attempt to prevent workers from an Israeli container ship from unloading cargo.
Police arrested a 32-year-old woman at around 8am on Saturday after police ordered those present to leave the premises, claiming some became ‘aggressive’ and ‘unruly‘.
Speaking in support of Ms Lattouf at the Melbourne meeting was controversial feminist writer Clementine Ford, whose own podcast was axed over her support for Palestine.
“Police were forced to use OC spray on several protesters and one woman was arrested for spitting at police,” a Victoria police spokesperson said.
The Yarraville woman was later charged with assault and will appear in court at a later date.
Victoria Police said no one was injured during the arrest and confirmed protesters remained at the dock as of Sunday morning.
No significant incidents occurred during the State Library protest.
More to come.