Man could face extra charges over protest comments
A man who allegedly made offensive comments at a pro-Palestine rally could face additional charges over the incident.
Bishrul Izadeen leaves the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney, Wednesday, November 15, 2023. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Bishrul Izadeen, 63, appeared in Downing Centre Local Court for the first time on Wednesday, charged over his statements at an October 15 protest in Sydney.
Asked by the court registrar how he was doing, the self-represented Izadeen replied, “not so good”.
The 63-year-old initially indicated he would plead guilty to using offensive language in or near a public place during the rally.
But the prosecutor said NSW Police were considering laying further charges and sought a four-week adjournment.
The registrar said he would not accept a guilty plea until all possible charges were confirmed.
Video was posted online of Izadeen at the October 15 protest, where he allegedly made a number of comments, including “Get the f***ing Jews wiped out”.
He said he was a Muslim from Sri Lanka before being approached by police and told it was an offence to swear in public.
After moving on a short distance, Izadeen stops and continues to shout, stating: “(In) Australia, a democratic country, I can exercise my opinion. I can say whatever I want”.
About 6000 people joined the pro-Palestinian protest through the city centre, which was largely uneventful.
It followed a series of Hamas attacks on Israel that left more than 1000 dead and retaliatory strikes in Gaza, which Palestinian officials say have killed more than 11,000 residents.
The conflict has sparked repeated pro-Israeli and -Palestinian vigils and rallies across Australia.
Izadeen remains on bail and will appear in court again on December 13.
Maeve Bannister/AAP
