Prof Ben Saul on Herzog's visit, protests and freedom of speech

In this episode, we welcome Professor Ben Saul from the University of Sydney who is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism, and his insights and experience are relevant to exploring the recent state visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. What started as an invitation by the Australian government and The Zionist Federation of Australia to enhance solidarity in the wake of the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack has become a point of contention, with both warm welcomes from the vast majority of the Jewish community and angry protests on the streets of Sydney and Melbourne about Israeli actions in Gaza. Professor Saul talks about the recent amendments to laws around the protests; and the issue of criticism of Israel in the context of rising antisemitism and the challenge of ascertaining what is hate speech and what is a legitimate free speech.

Police officers advance toward demonstrators near Sydney's Town Hall during a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia, in Sydney, Monday, February 9, 2026. (AAP Image/Flavio Brancaleone) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / FLAVIO BRANCALEONE/AAPIMAGE