Australia police watchdog to investigate complaints of brutality at protests against Israeli president
A police watchdog in Australia has said it will investigate how the protests in Sydney over Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s visit were handled, after it received multiple complaints accusing officers of using excessive force.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) – an independent police oversight body – said in a statement released on Friday that it was “in public interest” to examine the violent confrontations between police and demonstrators at the Sydney Town Hall this week.
Police in Sydney clashed with people protesting against the visit of the Israeli president, who is accused of inciting a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, allegations he denies. Police made at least 27 arrests amid allegations of excessive force used against protesters and rights groups, reports said.
The New South Wales Police (NSW) said officers moved to clear the area after demonstrators attempted to breach blockades, resulting in arrests. Ten people were accused of assaulting police officers.
“Following the receipt of a significant number of complaints, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has decided … to investigate the police operation at Sydney Town Hall,” the LECC said.
“Including incidents of alleged misconduct on the part of New South Wales police officers against persons attending that location for a protest.”
It added that “the commission will obtain and review all available material, including video and phone footage, documents, records and other information, including that held by the NSW police force”.
The government said inviting Mr Herzog to Australia after an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach was meant to support the Jewish community, despite criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, including the Palestine Action Group. There were also protests in Melbourne on the last day of Mr Herzog’s controversial visit.
NSW premier Chris Minns had defended the police action after videos of officers punching protesters at the anti-Herzog demonstrations had surfaced. He said that officers did “everything possible” to avoid violent confrontations.
“We can’t blame the police for doing what we asked them to do,” he said on Thursday.
“I’m certainly not going to throw NSW police under the bus in these circumstances for doing what is an incredibly difficult job, a job that millions of people in this state are grateful for.”
Palestine Action Group (PAG) spokesperson, Amal Naser, welcomed the independent investigation and said that “Premier Chris Minns, minister Yasmine Catley, and police commissioner Mal Lanyon must take responsibility and resign for authorising and overseeing an operation that has shaken public confidence in the right to protest”.
Minister for police and counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, said: “The best thing we can do right now is to allow the LECC to do its job.
“Now is the time for calm. We must allow the investigation to take place and respect the integrity of that process.”
