The Australian government announced that it will tighten legislation against the display of extremist symbols in the country. The proposal comes after a terrorist attack in Sydney that left 15 dead during a Jewish community celebration.
According to Australian authorities, the new bill provides for a ban on the public display of flags, emblems and messages associated with groups classified as extremist. Among them is the Islamic State, an organization already considered terrorist by the government.
Furthermore, the proposal establishes more severe punishments. Anyone who violates the new rule could face a sentence of up to two years in prison, in addition to a fine.
Another central point of the text is the criminalization of the slogan “globalize the intifada”, an expression associated with the Palestinian revolts against Israel. Jewish leaders claim that the use of the term encourages violent attacks and increases hate speech against Jews.
On the other hand, pro-Palestinian protesters argue that the phrase represents international protests against the war in the Gaza Strip and not a direct call for violence. Even so, the Australian government assesses that the recent context reinforces the offensive nature of the expression.
According to the governor of Sydney, the episodes recorded in recent weeks demonstrate that the slogan goes beyond the limits of freedom of expression and encourages violent actions, especially against religious minorities.
The project also expands the powers of security forces. The police may require the removal of masks and facial coverings during public demonstrations, a measure that, according to the government, aims to facilitate the identification of those involved in illegal acts.
Now, the proposal will be analyzed by the Australian Parliament.
