Australian Police Watchdog to Investigate Brutality Complaints at Herzog Protest
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), Australia's independent police oversight body, has announced it will investigate complaints of brutality during protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney. The commission stated it was "in the public interest" to examine violent confrontations between police and demonstrators at Sydney Town Hall this week.
Multiple Complaints Trigger Investigation
The LECC made its decision after receiving a significant number of complaints accusing New South Wales police officers of using excessive force against protesters. The commission will obtain and review all available material, including video footage, documents, records, and information held by the NSW police force.
Police clashed with demonstrators protesting against President Herzog's visit, with the Israeli leader facing allegations of inciting genocide against Palestinians in Gaza - accusations he denies. Reports indicate police made at least 27 arrests amid claims of excessive force used against protesters and rights groups.
Controversial Police Response
New South Wales Police stated officers moved to clear the area after demonstrators attempted to breach blockades, resulting in arrests. Ten people were accused of assaulting police officers during the confrontations.
NSW Premier Chris Minns defended police actions after videos surfaced showing officers punching protesters at the anti-Herzog demonstrations. "We can't blame the police for doing what we asked them to do," Minns said on Thursday, adding that officers did "everything possible" to avoid violent confrontations.
However, protesters and human rights organizations described a different scene. Officers were accused of using pepper spray, kettling crowds into tight spaces, and disrupting Muslims who were praying. Later footage showed police punching protesters during the demonstrations.
Political Reactions and Calls for Accountability
Greens MP Abigail Boyd claimed she "got lifted off the ground" during the protest and was punched by police officers. "I don't understand how that's a proportionate response," she stated.
Palestine Action Group spokesperson Amal Naser welcomed the independent investigation but called for political accountability. "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," Naser said.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon later apologized for "any offence that may have been taken" after police dragged away people praying outside the town hall.
Human Rights Organizations Respond
Amnesty International Australia expressed shock at what it called "unnecessary and disproportionate force" used by NSW police. Mohamed Duar, Amnesty's Occupied Palestinian Territory spokesperson, stated: "The LECC has rightly heeded our call for an independent investigation and listened to the concerns of many others who attended the protest."
Duar emphasized that "law enforcement officials should be protecting people's right to protest, not violently suppressing peaceful protest and harming those standing up for human rights."
Government Position and Investigation Process
The Australian government defended inviting President Herzog, stating the visit was meant to support the Jewish community following an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach, despite criticism from pro-Palestinian groups.
Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism Yasmin Catley urged calm during the investigation process. "The best thing we can do right now is to allow the LECC to do its job," Catley said. "Now is the time for calm. We must allow the investigation to take place and respect the integrity of that process."
Protests also occurred in Melbourne on the final day of President Herzog's controversial visit, though the LECC investigation focuses specifically on events at Sydney Town Hall where the most serious allegations of police misconduct emerged.
