Anarchist movement Anonymous plans to wear burqas during G20 protests in Brisbane to circumvent laws that ban non-religious face coverings during the event.
Anonymous members, who usually cover their faces with trademark Guy Fawkes masks inspired by the graphic novel and movie V For Vendetta, are colluding to wear the religious garb, which is not on a prohibited list. And it can be revealed they could protest in the city as early as tomorrow.
However police have warned that demonstrators cannot “masquerade” behind religious headwear, and if required protesters wearing the burqa will be asked to reveal their identities.
The plan, laid bare on the We Are Anonymous Facebook page, has concerned Brisbane Muslim leaders, who say it could inflame Islamophobia and put Muslim women at risk.
The Anonymous Million Mask March went off peacefully earlier this week in Brisbane CBD, but the ban on all masks has angered members.
On the Facebook page, posts urge protesters to “burqa up”.
Other comments include “Anonymous becomes a religion?” and “Everyone where (sic) burquas they can’t remove them for religious reasons.”
“Wot about all the Muslim women in their burkas? (sic)” queries another post.
Holland Park mosque president Ali Kadri said: “I urge protesters not to use the burqa, as it may fuel the Islamophobia narrative and endanger women who choose to wear it.”
The police warn they will come down hard on protesters flouting the law.
Deputy Commissioner and G20 police strategic commander Ross Barnett said: “Anyone attempting to masquerade or hide behind the religious tolerances afforded to members of the community for the purpose of creating mischief will be excluded from the declared area for the duration of the event and prosecuted should they attempt to re-enter the declared area.
“The Queensland Police Service will challenge anyone who they believe poses a threat to the safety and security of the G20 leaders’ summit, and through a variety of means establish their identity.
“Should a need arise for police to identify a person wearing a religious headdress then the Queensland Police Service has provisions in place under the Act to ensure the cultural sensitivities are respected.”
G20 legislation also bans the disguising or concealing of a person using camouflage paint or cream.
But Anonymous supporters remain defiant urging protesters to paint on a face or simply wear the trademark mask as " if everyone wears a mask they haven’t enough police to demask everyone”.