The New South Wales (NSW) Police watchdog will investigate allegations of misconduct against officers after violent clashes with crowds protesting a visit by the Israeli president this week.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission said it had decided it was in the public interest to investigate Monday's police operation after receiving a significant number of complaints.
Videos that emerged after the rally appeared to show police punching protesters and dragging away a group of praying Muslim men. A state MP was among those who said she was injured.
The NSW Police Commissioner has previously defended officers, saying they showed remarkable restraint after protestors refused directions.
The commission on Friday said it would review all available material, including video footage, as well as conducting hearings before delivering a public report to the state parliament.
Thousands of people attended the rally, protesting against Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who has been accused of inciting genocide against Palestinians in Gaza by a UN commission - which he denies.
Despite objections from pro-Palestinian groups, the government invited him to Australia after an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in December, saying it would help the Jewish community heal.
The Palestine Action Group (PAG), which organised Monday's protest, welcomed the investigation and called on Lanyon and NSW Premier Chris Minns to resign.
Amal Naser from PAG stated, The police operation bore all the hallmarks of a police riot, targeting peaceful demonstrators. Genocide is a crime. Protest is not.
The Australian National Imams Council reiterated its demand for an apology, saying the police conduct did not reflect the Australia we know.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) highlighted the need for transparency and accountability, emphasizing that the protest revealed a troubling trend of anti-Palestinian racism.
The incident follows recent restrictions on protests introduced by Premier Minns after the Bondi attack, giving police expanded powers just ahead of Herzog's visit.
Police reported that 27 people were arrested during the protest, with nine later charged, and ten officers claiming to be assaulted.
In response to the investigation, the NSW Police Force stated it would work cooperatively with the watchdog inquiry, acknowledging the authority of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Premier Minns defended police actions amidst public backlash, expressing that they were in a challenging position and urging the public to consider the full context of the events.
As this investigation unfolds, many await clarity on police conduct amidst rising tensions surrounding issues of free speech and protest rights in Australia.
