Around 50 pro-Palestine protesters staged a demonstration at Parliament House in Canberra, prompting police and security officials to temporarily close the building’s main entrance.
The group knelt in the marble foyer with their hands tied behind their backs, recreating footage of detained flotilla members that was previously shared by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Among the protesters were two of the 11 Australians recently detained, Zack Schofield and Surya McEwen. In a statement, they said they wanted to show Prime Minister Anthony Albanese the injuries they claimed to have suffered and urged the government to take stronger action.
McEwen alleged he suffered a fractured cheekbone, fractured rib, lung bruising, and concussion while in Israeli custody. Schofield called on the Australian government to take tougher measures against Israel.
After a minute of silence, security and police officers escorted protesters out of the building. Demonstrators shouted slogans including “Free Palestine” and “Sanction Israel” while being moved to the basement area.
The protesters have reportedly been banned from Parliament House for 12 months.
The demonstration caused temporary disruption, leading to the closure of Parliament House’s main entrance, while other access points remained open.
The issue was also raised during a Labor Party meeting, where concerns were reportedly expressed about Israel’s treatment of flotilla activists and whether Australia should expand sanctions.
Separately, Ben-Gvir faced criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the United Nations, and Australian officials after sharing footage showing detained individuals being restrained.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the images and treatment shown as “shocking and unacceptable.”