Woman charged over investigation into alleged banned symbols at pro-Palestine rally
A woman has been charged after a Hezbollah flag was allegedly displayed at a pro-Palestine protest in Sydney.
NSW Police released a photo of the woman earlier today, asking for the public's assistance to identify her.
The 19-year-old attended Kogarah Police Station about 10am, where she was arrested and charged with publicly displaying the symbol of a terrorist organisation.
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The yellow flag of Hezbollah and images of the militant group's late leader Hassan Nasrallah were shown at rallies in Sydney and Melbourne on the weekend. Pictured is the flag seen at a Melbourne rally. AAP/James Ross
She was granted conditional bail and will appear in the Downing Centre Local Court on October 23.
The Australian Federal Police is also investigating possible crimes related to the presence of Hezbollah flags at rallies in Sydney and Melbourne on Sunday.
Australia - like the US, UK, Canada, Japan and other allies - lists Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation.
Displaying the symbol of a terrorist group can be punished by up to a year in prison but federal law lays out only certain illegal situations, such as if the flag is used to spread hate, to intimidate or to incite violence.
NSW Police will head to the Supreme Court to block two pro-Palestine protests planned for Sydney to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the war in Gaza this weekend.
Organisers of the planned October 6 and 7 marches had already advised people to leave the flags at home but after negotiations yesterday were told police would oppose the planned rallies.
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