In brief
The New South Wales Police watchdog has initiated an investigation into the police's conduct during a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Sydney, which resulted in violent altercations and a significant number of complaints from the public. Video footage reportedly showed police using excessive force against demonstrators, prompting calls for accountability and an apology from authorities.
The New South Wales (NSW) Police watchdog will investigate allegations of misconduct against officers after violent clashes with crowds protesting a visit by the Israeli president this week.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission said it had decided it was in the public interest to investigate Monday's police operation after receiving a significant number of complaints.
Videos that emerged after the rally appeared to show police punching protesters and dragging away a group of praying Muslim men. A state MP was among those who said she was injured.
The NSW Police Commissioner has previously defended officers, saying they showed remarkable restraint after protesters refused directions.
The commission on Friday said it would review all available material, including video footage, as well as conducting hearings before delivering a public report to the state parliament.
Thousands attended the rally protesting against Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who has been accused of inciting genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a claim he denies.
Despite objections from pro-Palestinian groups, the government invited him to Australia after an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in December, saying it would help the Jewish community heal.
The Palestine Action Group (PAG), which organized Monday's protest, welcomed the investigation and called on Lanyon and NSW Premier Chris Minns to resign.
Amal Naser commented, The police operation bore all the hallmarks of a police riot, targeting peaceful demonstrators. Genocide is a crime. Protest is not.
The Australian National Imams Council stated that the police conduct did not reflect the Australia we know and reiterated its demand for an apology.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) emphasized the need for transparency and consequences for any wrongdoing, adding that the protest demonstrated a disturbing pattern of anti-Palestinian racism.
This is not only about one protest nor just about the Palestine justice movement - it is about the shrinking of democratic space and an attack on the fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, said APAN's Katie Shammas.
After the Bondi Beach attack, Minns introduced restrictions on protests and announced additional powers for police ahead of Herzog's visit, effectively allowing them to shut down areas of the city.
Monday's rally took place just half an hour after protesters lost a legal bid to reverse the major powers designation. The rules allowed demonstrators to gather but forbade them from marching; police reported that a number of melees broke out after crowds were ordered to disperse.
Twenty-seven people were arrested during the protest, with nine later charged, while police reported that 10 officers were assaulted.
In a statement, the NSW Police Force indicated it would work cooperatively with the watchdog inquiry. Police Minister Yasmin Catley affirmed respect for the process of the LECC.
Premier Minns previously defended police actions, urging the public to consider the full context of the events rather than relying on brief clips.
On Thursday, he refused to apologize to the Muslim community regarding police breaking up their prayer, stating he did not believe officers would have intervened unless it was amidst a riot, while Lanyon offered an apology for any offense taken.
