Australian police have defended their actions after violently clashing with protesters during a demonstration against a visit by the Israeli president.
Video emerged of police charging and punching protesters during the rally in Sydney on Monday night, with a state parliament MP among those who said they were injured in the clashes. Police reported that 27 individuals were arrested, with nine later charged, and 10 officers were assaulted.
Officers showed 'remarkable restraint', according to NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, who stated they 'did what they needed to do'. The rally's organizers had previously failed in their legal bid to challenge police powers that limited their right to demonstrate during Isaac Herzog's visit.
The government invited Herzog after an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach, aiming to help the Jewish community heal despite objections from pro-Palestinian groups.
Recent protests held with tensions high saw several incidents of physical confrontation between police and protesters. Josh Lees from the Palestine Action Group remarked that the violence witnessed was among the worst in years, indicating that if the Australian government had allowed a march, it could have been avoided.
NSW introduced restrictions on public protests following December's shooting and invoked additional 'major event' powers just prior to the rally, limiting demonstrators to stationary protests.
Premier Chris Minns defended police response, stating that the situation was challenging for authorities who needed to separate protesters from attendees at Herzog's event.
Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna noted that police faced threats and assaults, emphasizing the overwhelming number of protesters present.
The protests included notable figures like Grace Tame, whose remarks have drawn criticism from politicians yet underscored the depth of frustration among attendees. Some participants expressed sorrow and disbelief regarding the violence occurring during what was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration.
With further protests anticipated, there are growing calls for an investigation into police actions, especially concerning the allegations of unprovoked violence against peaceful protestors.
Video emerged of police charging and punching protesters during the rally in Sydney on Monday night, with a state parliament MP among those who said they were injured in the clashes. Police reported that 27 individuals were arrested, with nine later charged, and 10 officers were assaulted.
Officers showed 'remarkable restraint', according to NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, who stated they 'did what they needed to do'. The rally's organizers had previously failed in their legal bid to challenge police powers that limited their right to demonstrate during Isaac Herzog's visit.
The government invited Herzog after an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach, aiming to help the Jewish community heal despite objections from pro-Palestinian groups.
Recent protests held with tensions high saw several incidents of physical confrontation between police and protesters. Josh Lees from the Palestine Action Group remarked that the violence witnessed was among the worst in years, indicating that if the Australian government had allowed a march, it could have been avoided.
NSW introduced restrictions on public protests following December's shooting and invoked additional 'major event' powers just prior to the rally, limiting demonstrators to stationary protests.
Premier Chris Minns defended police response, stating that the situation was challenging for authorities who needed to separate protesters from attendees at Herzog's event.
Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna noted that police faced threats and assaults, emphasizing the overwhelming number of protesters present.
The protests included notable figures like Grace Tame, whose remarks have drawn criticism from politicians yet underscored the depth of frustration among attendees. Some participants expressed sorrow and disbelief regarding the violence occurring during what was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration.
With further protests anticipated, there are growing calls for an investigation into police actions, especially concerning the allegations of unprovoked violence against peaceful protestors.
