A serial protester accused of storming an Israeli-owned restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD has made a second bid for freedom, his lawyer claiming his behaviour was not antisemitic or fuelled by hate.
But a lawyer for police told the court the man’s conduct was “disgraceful” and “highly offensive”.
A protester at Melbourne restaurant Miznon on July 4.Credit: Alex Zucco
Antwany Arnold, 55, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to make his second application for bail this month, after police alleged he hurled a chair at a diner at Miznon restaurant in Hardware Lane shortly after 8pm on July 4.
Arnold has been charged with several offences, including throwing a missile and behaving in a riotous manner.
Police allege food, glasses and chairs were thrown at staff and patrons during the incident, which involved a group of 20 or 30 people who had splintered off from an earlier demonstration about police presence at protests.
Arnold’s lawyer, Tim Hutton, told the court his alleged actions, some of which had been captured on CCTV and shown to the court, were not driven by antisemitism, prejudice or hate.
“It [was] a compassionate condemnation of an organisation, the IDF, the Israel Defence Forces … it is condemnation of the atrocities and crimes … committed,” he said. “It is in no way any reflection on Jewish people or thoughts or feelings towards Jewish people.”
Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz interjected, saying that regardless of whether the protest was for political or humanitarian issues, her role was to consider allegations put to her about Arnold’s conduct and whether he posed a danger to community safety.
The court heard Arnold was on bail over another incident which occurred on April 14, at the corner of Swanston and Bourke streets just after 3pm.