14 Aug 2020 | 05:21 PM UTC
Australia: Demonstrators to gather in Brisbane August 15 /update 1
Demonstrators set to gather at Brisbane’s Story Bridge on August 15 to denounce the alleged poor treatment of refugees; avoid all gatherings as a precaution
Event
Demonstrators are planning to gather at Story Bridge in Brisbane (Queensland) on Saturday, August 15. The protest is taking place to denounce the alleged poor treatment of refugees, and hundreds of thousands of people could participate in the demonstration. Queensland's Supreme Court has reportedly issued an official order banning the event over coronavirus disease (COVID-19) concerns, but organizers have stressed that they intend to go through with the demonstration.
Similar demonstrations were reported in Brisbane on August 8.
Localized disruption is likely in the vicinity of the demonstration, along with a heightened security presence. Demonstrations are possible on Story Bridge and in the surrounding vicinity.
Context
Around 120 refugees and asylum seekers are currently detained in Kangaroo Point Motel, and the organizers of Saturday's rally, Refugee Action Collective Queensland and Refugee Solidarity Brisbane/Meanjin, have reportedly been threatening to demonstrate on Story Bridge for weeks.
Advice
Those in Brisbane are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and political gatherings, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
