Pro-Palestine Group Plans Economic Blockade in Australian Cities
A pro-Palestine group, A15 Action, is calling on supporters to participate in an “economic blockade” of major cities around the world, including Australian cities like Melbourne and Sydney. The group aims to disrupt business operations and cause economic damage as a form of protest.
The recent port disruption in Melbourne served as an example of what A15 Action hopes to achieve. The group stated on its website, “Join participating cities in blocking the arteries of capitalism and jamming the wheels of production.” They plan to target major choke points in the economy to create the most economic impact.
Local pro-Palestine groups have already staged peaceful rallies in Sydney and Melbourne over the weekend. However, the A15 Action threats have prompted authorities to take precautions. In Melbourne, police are being brought in from outer suburban stations, and the State Police Operations Centre used during COVID-19 anti-lockdown protests is being reactivated.
The protesters are expected to target the Port of Melbourne, rail networks, major roads, and business headquarters. In January, blockades at Webb Dock in Melbourne cost the economy tens of millions of dollars. The Victorian Liberal Party is calling for increased police powers and the designation of the Port of Melbourne as critical infrastructure in response to the threat.
In Sydney, police are already stretched thin due to recent tragic events in Bondi, but they have not received specific information about potential protests on Monday. Other Australian cities listed as targets by A15 Action include Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Alice Springs, and Geelong. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety of businesses, workers, and citizens during the planned protests.