Derek Jones, the 56-year-old finance worker who became known as the 'white shirt guy' after a viral video, is set to launch legal action against New South Wales police over alleged assault during a protest against Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Sydney.
Incident and Legal Action
Jones, who attended the February 9 rally with his wife, claims he was unprovokedly assaulted by police. The video shows him with his hands in the air as officers repeatedly punch him. He suffered two broken ribs and a bruised lung. His lawyer, Mark Davis of XD Law, will file a personal injury claim in the NSW Supreme Court, seeking damages and a judicial review to uncover police orders.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Jones says he and his wife were trying to leave the peaceful protest when they stopped to watch events on George Street. He alleges he was dragged into a fracas and assaulted after some words were exchanged between protesters. He claims an officer grabbed him, and while his wife tried to pull him back, another officer punched him multiple times in the chest and face.
'The police conduct was absolutely mad,' Jones said. 'I was assaulted. They didn't need to behave in the way they did.'
Broader Context
The NSW government faced scrutiny over a law passed before the rally, which was later found unconstitutional. The court ruled it impermissibly burdened the implied constitutional right to political communication, leading police to review 26 charges laid since the protest. Jones was not arrested, but a young man seen helping him was charged with hindering police.
Public and Political Reactions
Premier Chris Minns said at the time that all circumstances would be investigated, cautioning against judging police based on short social media clips. He stated that in full context, many would draw the opposite conclusion. Jones finds such comments frustrating, as he believes they justify the officers' behavior.
Jones's son saw the viral video before his father could tell him. The incident has had psychological impacts on Jones, who says he does not know how it will play out long-term. His lawyer aims to see the officers charged criminally, not just a settlement.
