WA Premier Affirms Democratic Right to Protest During Israeli President's Visit
West Australian Premier Roger Cook has publicly acknowledged the right of citizens to protest the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, while simultaneously calling for demonstrations to be conducted in a safe, respectful, and peaceful manner. This statement comes as rallies are organised across Australia, including a planned gathering at Perth's Forrest Place on Monday evening.
Balancing Democratic Expression with Community Safety
The Premier emphasised that while protest is a fundamental democratic freedom, it carries with it the obligation to maintain community safety. "Part of what we do in our great democracy is that we express our views, that is their democratic right," Mr Cook stated. "But with democracy and with the right to protest, also comes the obligations as a citizen to continue to make sure that we live in a safe and peaceful and inclusive community."
Mr Cook confirmed that Western Australia Police would work closely with protest organisers to ensure a secure environment for all participants. "I know the police will be working very closely with the organisers, but also making sure that they can provide a safe environment for those people to express their views," he added.
Context of Recent Security Concerns
The call for peaceful protest carries particular weight given recent events at Forrest Place. On January 26, during an Invasion Day rally, a 31-year-old man allegedly threw a homemade explosive device into a crowd of more than 2500 protesters. Since this incident and the Bondi Beach mass shooting that targeted Jewish individuals, Premier Cook has repeatedly advocated for unity over hatred and expressed concerns about potential lone-wolf attacks.
President Herzog's visit includes commemorating the fifteen victims of the Bondi Beach tragedy in Sydney and meetings with Australian politicians and Jewish community leaders.
Rejecting Calls for Arrest and Emphasising Diplomatic Protocol
While some protesters have called for President Herzog's arrest in relation to Israel's actions in Gaza, Premier Cook firmly rejected these demands. He noted that as a visiting head of state, President Herzog enjoys customary immunity under international law.
"Obviously I don't, and that's not the role of the AFP," Mr Cook stated regarding arrest calls. "President Herzog has responded to an invitation from Prime Minister Albanese, it's appropriate that he's treated with the respect that an overseas dignitary deserves."
Acknowledging Humanitarian Concerns While Advocating Civil Discourse
The Premier acknowledged the deep humanitarian concerns surrounding the conflict in Gaza, describing the scenes as "quite frankly distressing and it challenges your sense of humanity." However, he stressed the importance of expressing these views through proper democratic channels.
"We have views about the conflict in Gaza, I understand, but they're views that are felt by everyone," Mr Cook said. "But it's important that everyone do the right thing, express their views respectfully and peacefully, that's what we do in a democracy."
The Premier's comments reflect a careful balancing act between protecting democratic freedoms and ensuring public safety during a period of heightened tensions and international diplomatic engagement.
