PROTESTS CONTINUE FOR FOURTH DAY AGAINST ISRAELI PRESIDENT’S AUSTRALIA VISIT

ISTANBUL, Feb 12 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Mass protests continued across Australia for a fourth day on Thursday against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, as hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Melbourne following his arrival in the city ahead of the conclusion of his trip, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing local media.

In Melbourne, the protest began outside Flinders Street Station, drawing crowds of demonstrators carrying signs declaring that Herzog was not welcome in the city, ABC News reported.

Some protesters shared personal stories of loss. One woman said she joined the demonstration to demand accountability for family members killed in the conflict, while another said she wanted to send a message to the government opposing Herzog’s visit.

The rally followed earlier protests outside two of Herzog’s official engagements, despite details of his Melbourne itinerary not being made public beforehand.

Herzog’s trip has triggered large demonstrations across several major Australian cities, including Sydney, where earlier protests resulted in violent clashes between demonstrators and police.

On Wednesday, hundreds of protesters also gathered outside Parliament House to oppose the visit.

Protests have continued nationwide since Herzog arrived on a four-day visit on Monday, with tensions escalating after clashes between police and demonstrators earlier in the week. Thousands took to the streets on Monday, leading to confrontations with police in several locations.

Footage widely circulated on social media showed New South Wales Police forcibly removing Muslim worshippers and dragging them while they were performing prayers during one protest.

The incident drew widespread condemnation, including from the Australian National Imams Council, which described the police actions as “shocking, deeply disturbing and entirely unacceptable”.

Australia’s special envoy for Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, called for an investigation into the use of force and urged Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, to issue a public apology to the Muslim community.

Last year, a United Nations Human Rights Council special commission of inquiry into the war in Gaza said Israel was committing genocide and cited statements by Herzog as evidence of genocidal intent.

Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza in October 2023. More than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 171,000 wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, while about 90 per cent of Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU