NSW Police data reveal ISIS and Hezbollah flags displayed in state
Documents obtained this week by the NSW Labor Opposition through Police Budget Estimates reveal the ISIS flag – the black Jihadist flag – had been displayed in NSW on more than 300 occasions and the Hezbollah flag almost 50 times – since 2015
This was in response to formal questions on notice from NSW Shadow Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism Walt Secord. “These figures are absolutely shocking and these flags represent total evil. Those who fly or display these flags hate everything a fair society stands for,” Mr Secord said.
The worst year for ISIS/Islamic State and Hezbollah flag activity was 2015 with 142 reports and events; 14 reports and events, respectively.
Mr Secord called on the Attorney-General to look at ways to respond to those carrying ISIS flags in NSW.
Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands all have varying bans placed on the symbol.
In September 2014, the then Premier Mike Baird said the State Government should look at banning the ISIS flag, but it did not proceed. This occurred after an ISIS flag was auctioned at a Sydney mosque.
“NSW Police should have to power to arrest and detain anyone carrying these flags,” Mr Secord said.
Any idiot carrying an ISIS flag should be locked up.
The black flag represents nothing, but incitement to violence against Christians, Jews and other minorities.”
He added: “Other than a film or for academic purposes, I do not see a reason for any public display of a black flag in NSW. Make no mistake, these flags are evil recruitment tools.”
In April, the Australian Federal Police said it wanted to see government banning ISIS flags from being publicly displayed.
Last week (November 24), the Federal Government announced that the entire Hezbollah would be proscribed in Australia as a “terrorist organisation” – in line with a number of other western countries and international organisations.
