Hundreds of people have flooded the courtyard of Melbourne’s State Library for another week of pro-Palestine protests.
Sunday’s rally renewed calls for a ceasefire in the bloody conflict between Israel and Palestine as well as showing support for journalist Antoinette Lattouf.
Ms Lattouf has launched legal proceedings against the ABC after she was sacked in December just three days into a week-long hosting gig on Radio Sydney’s morning show.
She was let go after sharing a social media post about the conflict in Gaza.
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The radio host claims she was discriminated against because of her Lebanese heritage and her political expression, allegations the broadcaster has denied.
Speaking in support of Ms Lattouf at the Melbourne rally was controversial feminist writer Clementine Ford, whose own podcast was axed over her support for Palestine.
“Proud to stand and speak beside so many staunch 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 at police in Port Melbourne.
Up to 85 protesters gathered outside Webb Dock Drive on Friday afternoon in a bid to block workers from an Israeli container ship from unloading cargo.
Police arrested a 32-year-old woman about 8am Saturday after police told attendees to leave the premises, claiming some became “aggressive” and “unruly”.
“Police were forced to deploy OC spray toward several protesters and one female was arrested for spitting at police,” a Victoria police spokesperson said.
The Yarraville woman was later charged with assault and is due to appear in court at a later date.
Victoria Police said no one was harmed during the arrest and confirmed the protesters remained at the dock as of Sunday morning.
No incidents of note have occurred at the State Library protest.
More to come.
