Julian Assange Joins Massive Pro-Palestinian Rally on Sydney Harbour Bridge

On Saturday, August 3, 2025, the Sydney Harbour Bridge became the epicenter of a large-scale pro-Palestinian demonstration, as over 300,000 people gathered to protest Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza. The event, organized by the Palestine Action Group Sydney, was marked by high-profile attendees, including Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, who joined the march in a rare public appearance.

The Protest’s Background and Scale

The demonstration was one of the largest of its kind in Australia, with the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge closed to traffic to accommodate the massive crowd. The New South Wales Supreme Court had earlier denied a police request to ban the protest, citing concerns over public safety and the risk of a “crowd crush.” This decision allowed the Palestine Action Group Sydney to proceed with its plans, drawing an estimated 300,000 participants. Attendees waved Palestinian flags, held banners, and chanted slogans demanding an end to the conflict in Gaza.

Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi addressed the crowd before the march began, criticizing New South Wales Premier Chris Minns for attempting to block the protest. “It was never about logistics. It was never about traffic. It was never about communications or anything else. It was always about stopping us and silencing us,” Faruqi declared, emphasizing the protest’s significance in holding both Israel and the Australian Labor government accountable.

Julian Assange’s Presence

Among the sea of demonstrators, Julian Assange’s participation stood out as a powerful statement. The transparency activist, who has long been embroiled in legal battles over WikiLeaks’ publication of classified documents, joined the march in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. This marks a rare public appearance for Assange, whose advocacy for free speech and human rights has made him a polarizing figure globally.

Assange’s presence alongside other notable figures, such as former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr, federal minister Ed Husic, and indigenous actor Meyne Wyatt, underscored the broad coalition of support for the Palestinian cause. This diverse group of attendees reflected the growing discontent among Australians over their government’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Political and Social Implications

The protest comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with international attention focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Australian government has faced criticism for its perceived lack of action in addressing the conflict, with many accusing it of siding with Israel. The turnout for the Sydney rally signals a growing demand for a more balanced and humane approach to the issue.

Premier Chris Minns had earlier expressed concerns about the protest’s potential to disrupt the city, stating, “We cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos.” However, the peaceful nature of the march and the sheer number of participants highlighted the public’s determination to make their voices heard, despite governmental opposition.

A Broader Movement

The pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney is part of a larger global movement advocating for justice and peace in the Middle East. Similar protests have taken place in cities worldwide, with activists calling for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the blockade of Gaza, and accountability for alleged war crimes. The involvement of high-profile figures like Assange adds significant weight to these demands, amplifying their reach and impact.

The Palestine Action Group Sydney, the organizers of the event, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “This is not just a protest; it’s a call for justice, for human rights, and for an end to the suffering in Gaza.”

The Sydney Harbour Bridge protest will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the fight for Palestinian rights, uniting people from all walks of life in a powerful display of solidarity and resistance.