We urgently call upon the relevant Australian authorities to address the politically motivated events masquerading as community celebrations. The Eritrean regime-sponsored, non-inclusive, and divisive Melbourne Festival, an event that devolved into violent clashes in January 2024, leaving over ten individuals hospitalized, is once again Scheduled for 11 and 12 January 2025 at Westgate Indoor Sports, 61 Dohertys Rd, Altona North VIC 3025. This politically influenced event exploits Australia's democratic values, undermines principles of human rights and free speech, suppresses dissent, intimidates critics, and promotes exclusionary ideologies.

The 2024 Eritrean regime-backed festival in Melbourne, as reported by 7 News, resulted in violent clashes and significant injuries (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=906508544154013 Shockingly, the Eritrean Consulate publicly awarded the instigator of the violence a gesture proudly broadcasted on Eritrean state media (ERiTV). Despite clear evidence and widespread public outcry, no legal action was taken against the responsible parties in Australia. This glaring inconsistency highlights a troubling double standard in addressing politically motivated violence(https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/11/20/eritrea-sanctions-ruling-party-pfdj/

Eritrea's regime operates what it refers to as its 'Fourth Front' or '4G' in democratic nations like Australia. Through Eritrean embassies, the regime coordinates front groups to propagate propaganda, intimidate dissenters, and manipulate community gatherings under the guise of cultural celebrations. This clandestine network, composed of militant operatives verifiably trained in Eritrea, remains active within communities worldwide. Such tactics mirror those associated with extremist and terror-linked organisations, underscoring a concenring trend where indicate as freedom itself is on (https://www.aei.org/op-eds/freedom-on-trial-eritrean-activists-face-legal-battles-in-america/ It is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our communities from the threats posed by these individuals, who actively sow hate, intimidation, and discord.

The Eritrean regime’s 'Fourth Front' strategy aims to divide the Eritrean diaspora by exploiting events like these, both in Australia and globally. Such gatherings often create environments ripe for escalation into physical confrontations and severe conflicts, as tensions rise between regime supporters and advocates of justice movements like the Blue Revolution. The tragic outcomes of such escalations are well-documented, including the targeted murders of justice-seeking activists in Israel and other regions.

Yohannes Tesfamichael, a former Eritrean Embassy official in Australia and now the Eritrean Ambassador to South Sudan, openly articulated the regime's strategy to control the diaspora under the 'Fourth Front' framework. This network fosters an atmosphere of fear, surveillance, and manipulation, ensuring no Eritrean abroad remains beyond the regime's influence. Alarmingly, some operatives within this network have been directly implicated in human trafficking and other exploitative practices.

The Syrian crisis serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of allowing authoritarian regimes to exploit community platforms unchecked. Similarly, Eritrea's systemic patterns of abuse and torture are well-documented (https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/eritrea with survivors now residing in Australia. These survivors face severe psychological distress when confronted with regime-backed events that glorify their oppressors. Such emotional triggers can provoke anger, unrest, and violent confrontations, escalating into potential bloodshed.

Organizers of these events often reward individuals or groups who propagate divisive rhetoric, fostering an environment where extremism and provocation are incentivized. The Eritrean Consulate's decision to publicly honour individuals involved in violent clashes sets a dangerous precedent. It emboldens perpetrators, normalises violence, and creates fertile ground for the radicalisation of vulnerable individuals, particularly the youth who may come to view aggression as a legitimate tool for advancing political goals.

This event poses an undeniable risk to community safety, social cohesion, and Australia's foundational values. Therefore, we urge the authorities to take decisive action to prevent further escalation, ensure public safety, and uphold Australia's commitment to justice, democracy, and human rights.

By signing this petition, we call for immediate intervention to halt this event and protect our communities from further harm.