Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley recently said attacks on MPs’ offices were “disgraceful” and encouraged by the Greens.
Bandt labelled that allegation as slander.
“Let me say this, not for your benefit because you know this already, but for everyone who has been slandering this movement for weeks,” he told the rally.
“We all know there is no place for violence against people, against politicians, against people who work for politicians or inside their offices … what we are pushing for is peace, peace here, and peace in Gaza.”
About 3000 people attended Sunday’s rally, which was the 35th consecutive week protesters had taken to the streets in Melbourne to protest over Israel’s war in Gaza, which Gazan authorities say has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians so far. Israel launched a bombing campaign on the Strip after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1200 people and taking more than 200 hostages.
While Bandt joined calls from rally organisers for peaceful protesting, police said they were forced to use pepper spray after some members of the crowd turned hostile.
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Police said officers trying to identify a protester who lit what appeared to be a flare were confronted by about 200 protesters who turned hostile, throwing bottles and signs at police. One officer was allegedly spat on. Pepper spray was then used and the group dispersed.
Some protesters said on social media that children and elderly people needed medical attention due to the spray. However, police had not received any complaints or reports.
No charges were laid, but police plan to review footage to identify any potential offenders.
Two police vehicles were damaged and three infringement notices were issued for parking illegally near the rally. One person was fined for climbing on top of a tram shelter and another for bill posting.
Mai Saif of Free Palestine Melbourne said the police reaction was excessive.
“We feel that the police escalated the situation by surrounding the rally stage truck and charging the driver, and then later sprayed a pregnant woman and child with capsicum spray, putting families protesting at risk.”
She said the organisation had done its best to co-ordinate with police to ensure its rallies were peaceful and it intended to investigate the matter.
Police said in a statement: “Victoria Police will continue to have a highly visible presence at future demonstrations in the city.
“While we support the right to protest peacefully we will not tolerate the kind of vulgar behaviour our officers were confronted with today.”
With AAP