Police authorities in Sydney have publicly accused speakers at a recent rally of deliberately inciting the crowd to march, an action they claim directly preceded the chaotic and violent scenes that unfolded. The protest, which was organised in opposition to the official visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, descended into what Assistant Police Commissioner Peter McKenna described as a highly inflammatory situation.
Police Condemn Rally Speakers' Actions
In a stark assessment of the events, Assistant Commissioner McKenna stated that the speakers at the rally actively encouraged attendees to march, despite clear legislation prohibiting such movement. He characterised their rhetoric as "quite inflammatory" and suggested it triggered a dangerous group mentality among protesters.
"It was really something that was quite inflammatory," McKenna remarked. "In fact, it got to the point that I believe the crowd really took part in some type of contagion of group think."
Legislation Versus Protest Demands
When questioned on whether allowing a march might have reduced the violence, McKenna firmly rejected the premise. He emphasised that the decision was not discretionary, pointing to existing laws that explicitly forbade marching during the event.
"It wasn’t a matter of us letting protesters march. There was legislation in place to say they couldn’t march," he clarified, underscoring the legal constraints faced by law enforcement.
Chaotic Scenes and Police Response
The protest escalated rapidly, with police forced to deploy pepper spray to control the crowd. Reports from the scene detailed brutal confrontations, including allegations from a local MP that officers threw punches during the clashes. These incidents have sparked significant debate about protest management and public safety in New South Wales.
The rally's focus on Herzog's visit added a layer of international diplomatic sensitivity to the domestic unrest, highlighting the complex interplay between free speech, assembly rights, and maintaining public order.
Broader Implications for Protest Policing
This event raises critical questions about how authorities balance the right to protest with community safety. The police's assertion of incitement suggests a growing concern over the role of organisers and speakers in directing crowd behaviour, potentially influencing future legislative or operational approaches to large-scale demonstrations in Sydney and beyond.
