Muslim Groups Demand Prosecution Over Police Disruption of Prayer at Sydney Protest
A coalition of Muslim organisations in Australia has called for the prosecution of New South Wales police officers who forcibly disrupted a group of men praying during a protest in Sydney against Israeli president Isaac Herzog's visit. The incident, which occurred on Monday night, has sparked widespread outrage, with leaders describing the police response as "unhinged" and "aggressive."
Video Evidence Shows Police Dragging Worshippers
Footage from the protest at Sydney Town Hall captured approximately a dozen men, led by Sheikh Wesam Charkawi, kneeling in prayer in two orderly lines. The men were not blocking roads or marching, activities restricted under NSW laws enacted after the Bondi antisemitic terror attack. Despite this, police officers descended on the group, grabbing individuals at the edges and dragging them along the ground while they continued to pray. Protesters were heard yelling, "leave them" and "they're fucking praying," as the confrontation unfolded.
Sheikh Charkawi Details Violent Encounter
Sheikh Charkawi, who led the sunset prayer during the demonstration, recounted the violent police intervention. He stated that officers were "so unhinged, so aggressive and so violent" and showed "zero regard" for the peaceful worshippers. While in prayer, which he emphasized cannot be broken except in emergencies, he heard a commotion and saw people being "flung off" to his sides. Charkawi reported feeling as though his shoulder was nearly dislocated when police pulled him, adding, "We weren't disobeying any police commands. We were simply making our prayers."
Charkawi, a support officer at Granville Boys High School, had previously been ordered to work from home after posting a video criticizing "selective outrage" in response to the Bankstown hospital nurses footage. In that video, he argued that the nurses' comments were not literal threats and highlighted silence on Israel's actions.
Political Figures and Muslim Organisations Condemn Actions
NSW Greens MLC Abigail Boyd reported being punched by police and witnessing Muslim men dragged away while praying, calling it a violation of peaceful protest. Meanwhile, a joint statement from at least 38 Muslim and legal organisations demanded the resignation of NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, citing his responsibility for a policing culture that permits such conduct. The groups also called for an apology from NSW Premier Chris Minns over the "abuse of power."
The coalition asserted that the use of force against worshippers during a lawful protest was unacceptable, noting that no other faith community would tolerate such disruption of sacred practices. They urged an independent inquiry and accountability, including potential criminal charges for officers who acted unlawfully. The Australian National Imams Council expressed outrage at the "heavy-handed" police actions, emphasizing that officers should protect communities, not interfere with religious worship.
Police and Government Defend Actions Amid Criticism
Commissioner Lanyon defended his officers, stating they showed "remarkable restraint" and acted to disperse a protest where speakers were inciting a march through the CBD, which was deemed unacceptable. Premier Minns acknowledged criticisms but argued police were in an "impossible situation," needing to keep protesters separate from over 7,000 people at an event with Herzog mourning the Bondi beach attacks. He insisted police have a strong relationship with Sydney's Muslim community and did not intend to target any group, describing the context as "in effect, in the middle of a riot."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the issue in parliament, stating he would allow police to investigate while acknowledging public interest in the circumstances. The incident has intensified debates over policing, religious freedom, and protest rights in Australia, with calls for transparency and justice echoing across the nation.
