NSW Premier Defends Police Actions Amid Prayer Service Controversy
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has firmly backed the state's police force, declining to issue a public apology to Muslim groups after officers disrupted a prayer service during a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney. This stance comes despite calls from organisations like Human Rights Watch for the government to investigate allegations of excessive force.
Calls for Apology and Investigation Intensify
Muslim community leaders, including the Lebanese Muslim Association and the Australian Federal Imams Council, have demanded apologies from both Premier Minns and NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon. While Commissioner Lanyon has offered a qualified apology, expressing regret for any offence caused, Premier Minns has outright refused, stating he will not apologise in what he describes as a non-antagonistic manner.
In a press conference, Minns emphasised his belief that NSW police would never disrupt a religious service unless it occurred amidst a riot, highlighting the context of the protest. However, Sheikh Bilal Rauf, a barrister and senior advisor to the Australian National Imam's Council, criticised Lanyon's apology as insufficient, arguing it did not address the core issues of disproportionate force used against peaceful demonstrators.
Protest Context and Legislative Backdrop
The incident unfolded during a rally where thousands gathered to protest Herzog's visit and express concerns over the conflict in Gaza. Commissioner Lanyon defended police actions, citing that officers moved to disperse the crowd after protesters attempted to march to state parliament, violating anti-protest laws enacted following the Bondi beach terror attack. He denied claims that the timing was linked to Herzog's event ending nearby.
Labor MLC Stephen Lawrence, who attended the protest, has called for an investigation into the political and legislative environment, suggesting that recent laws have created a volatile situation for both police and protesters. Human Rights Watch researcher Annabel Hennessy echoed this, urging the NSW government to probe the alleged excessive force and hold responsible parties accountable.
Internal and External Reactions
Within the government, Social Services Minister Jihad Dib, who is Muslim, expressed deep distress over the footage and has engaged in discussions with Minns and Lanyon. Despite Dib's concerns, Premier Minns noted disagreements with his minister's statements but acknowledged efforts to mend community relations. Meanwhile, Greens member Sue Higginson has referred the police conduct to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, advocating for an independent inquiry.
Commissioner Lanyon confirmed that most officers used body-worn cameras during the incident, though he hesitated to commit to releasing the footage publicly. As calls for his resignation mount from some Muslim groups, Premier Minns has voiced strong support for Lanyon's leadership, praising his handling of challenging situations, including the Bondi attack and ongoing protests.
This controversy underscores tensions between law enforcement protocols and civil liberties, with ongoing debates about protest regulations and community trust in NSW.
