Australia state extends protest ban after Bondi attack

New South Wales extended a temporary ban on protests for 14 days, citing public safety concerns after last month’s fatal attack at Bondi.

New South Wales has extended a temporary ban on protests and some public gatherings for 14 days. Authorities said the extension responds to public safety concerns after last month’s attack at Bondi. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said public gatherings over the next two weeks could cause fear and public safety issues. He said the measure was intended to give the community time to feel safe and that peaceful assemblies remain allowed. Key points: - New South Wales extended an emergency declaration and will treat demonstrations as unauthorized for 14 days. - Commissioner Mal Lanyon said gatherings "had the potential to cause fear and public safety issues" and emphasized the step was not about stopping free speech. - The extension follows a fatal attack at Bondi last month in which two ISIS-inspired gunmen killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration, as reported. - Police arrested three people for unauthorized protests related to overseas events, reported as opposing US strikes on Venezuela. Summary: The extension restricts public demonstrations for the specified period and aims to reduce immediate public safety concerns. Undetermined at this time.