NSW Police's decision to arrest almost 20 pro-Palestinian protesters — including union leaders — at a rally against an Israeli shipping company has been backed by the state premier. The protest at Port Botany in Sydney's east was held on Sunday night, with Maritime Union of Australia members saying it was a "peaceful community assembly" at one of the terminals.
50pm before the group moved to Penrhyn Road, blocking access to the port, police said in a statement. "The crowd was directed to move from the roadway and given some time to do so," the statement said. "A number did not comply and were arrested for disobeying police direction." Premier Chris Minns said police had a responsibility to keep order in NSW and that protesters had "deliberately ignored" a lawful directive.