Sydney Protest Chaos: Police Watchdog Launches Inquiry After Violent Clashes
New South Wales police have defended their actions following a chaotic and violent protest in central Sydney on Monday, where demonstrators gathered to oppose the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The premier, Chris Minns, has labeled the situation "impossible," while protesters and some government members have accused police of being "unhinged." In response to widespread criticism, the police watchdog announced on Friday that it will launch an independent inquiry into the handling of the event.
Peaceful Start Turns Violent Amid Tensions
The protest began peacefully around 5:30 PM on a humid evening, with thousands of people crowding around Sydney's town hall. They waved flags and chanted, calling for Herzog to be sent to the International Criminal Court over allegations of inciting genocide in Gaza, which he denies. Among the attendees were Rob Chapman with his eight-year-old son, Seamus, and 69-year-old Jann Alhafny, whose late husband was Palestinian and survived the 1948 Nakba.
However, tensions escalated quickly after a judge ruled against the Palestine Action Group's challenge to special police powers granted by the Minns government for Herzog's visit. These powers included expanded move-on orders and restrictions on marching, stemming from recent anti-protest laws passed after the Bondi terror attack. Critics had warned that these measures could make the environment more unsafe.
Clashes and Arrests Unfold in Real-Time
By 7:15 PM, protesters attempted to march but were blocked by police standing shoulder-to-shoulder along George Street. Chants of "let us march" grew louder, and the situation deteriorated rapidly. At 7:36 PM, a violent incident was captured on video, showing a man in a white shirt being punched multiple times by multiple officers after putting his hands in the air. This footage, shared widely on social media, became a focal point for allegations of police brutality.
Simultaneously, pepper spray was deployed, and arrests began. Ali Al-Lami was one of the first arrested, alleging he was punched in the head while restrained. Jordan Ryan Hennessy was seen coughing and spluttering from the spray. As police pushed forward in containment lines, Jann Alhafny was pushed down violently, resulting in four broken vertebrae. She described the officers as acting without warning, leading to fears of a stampede.
Further Incidents and Legal Repercussions
Throughout the evening, more violent encounters occurred. Wesam Charkawi, who was kneeling in prayer with other Muslim worshippers, reported being surrounded by aggressive police, despite efforts to find a quiet space. The police commissioner later apologized for this incident. In another case, Jace Turner was pushed onto light rail tracks, punched while restrained, and charged with assaulting an officer, facing up to seven years in prison.
By 8:30 PM, police had funnelled most protesters away from town hall, but clashes continued on Bathurst Street, where pepper spray filled the air. Guardian Australia reporters were caught in the chaos, with one being pushed against a car and pepper-sprayed. After the protest, assistant police commissioner Peter McKenna accused rally speakers of inciting the crowd, while Minns backed the police actions, stating he would not conduct an independent inquiry.
Investigation and Ongoing Debates
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission announced its inquiry after receiving numerous complaints about police misconduct. This development comes amid growing criticism from protesters, legal experts, and even members of Minns' own government, who argue that the anti-protest laws contributed to the violence. The debate continues over balancing public safety with democratic rights, as Sydney grapples with the aftermath of a night that left many injured and questioning police tactics.
