Man Sentenced for Disrupting Anzac Day Ceremony with Booing
Man who booed Welcome to Country during Anzac Day dawn service is defiant in court as he is sentenced
Image: Mail Online
Eli Joseph Toby has been fined $880 for booing during a Welcome to Country at an Anzac Day dawn service in Sydney. Despite being pressed by the judge, Toby expressed no remorse for his actions, which he claimed were a form of protest against the ceremony's inclusion in Anzac Day commemorations.
- 01Eli Joseph Toby booed for 66 seconds during the Welcome to Country at the Anzac Day dawn service in Martin Place, Sydney.
- 02He was fined $880 and refused to apologize, stating his actions were a vocal expression of his beliefs.
- 03Judge Greg Grogin criticized Toby's behavior as ignorant and disrespectful to the solemnity of Anzac Day.
- 04The booing incident drew widespread condemnation from officials, including NSW Premier Chris Minns and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
- 05Toby has a history of attending neo-Nazi rallies, raising concerns about his motivations.
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Eli Joseph Toby was sentenced in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court for booing during a Welcome to Country ceremony at an Anzac Day dawn service. Toby, who pleaded guilty to committing a nuisance, expressed no genuine remorse for his actions, which he claimed were intended as a protest against the ceremony's presence at Anzac Day events. Judge Greg Grogin criticized Toby for disrupting a significant moment for many attendees, stating that there were more appropriate ways to express dissatisfaction. The incident, which lasted 66 seconds, drew immediate backlash from various leaders, including RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley, who called the behavior 'grossly disrespectful.' NSW Premier Chris Minns and Defence Minister Richard Marles also condemned the booing, emphasizing the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by Indigenous Australians. Toby was fined $880 and previously attended a neo-Nazi rally, raising further concerns about his views.
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The incident has sparked discussions about respect and the role of Indigenous ceremonies in national commemorations.
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