Police investigators are actively reviewing body camera and social media footage from a protest in Sydney against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit, where numerous individuals sustained injuries. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for transparency regarding police conduct during the demonstration.
Elderly Woman Hospitalised with Severe Injuries
Jann Alhafny, a 69-year-old woman, is currently recovering in hospital after sustaining four broken vertebrae during the protest. She alleges that a police officer pushed her to the ground "very violently" and "without warning," causing immediate and excruciating pain. Alhafny described being yanked back onto her feet by the officer, which exacerbated her injuries, and expressed fears of suffocation or a stampede as others fell on top of her.
Police Response and Legal Context
A spokesperson for NSW Police stated that the force was not initially aware of the incident but confirmed that investigators are examining footage to assess the events. The protest occurred under a "major event" designation, granting police expanded powers to manage crowds and extinguishing civil liability for tortious acts by officers, a point highlighted by Labor MP Stephen Lawrence.
Protesters faced pepper-spraying and kettling by police, with the demonstration falling within an area where march bans were enforced following recent terror attack restrictions. The Palestine Action Group, which organised the event, had its permit application rejected due to these measures, complicating the negotiation process typically used for such gatherings.
Calls for Independent Investigation
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, has demanded an independent investigation into police activities at the protest, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability to maintain community trust. She warned against eroding civil rights in efforts to address social cohesion, urging that all communities be allowed to protest safely.
In contrast, Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon defended the officers' actions, stating they were necessary to ensure public safety by dispersing the crowd. Premier Chris Minns rejected suggestions that anti-protest restrictions created an "impossible situation," cautioning against judging events based on brief social media clips without full context.
Additional Incidents and Community Impact
Further footage from the protest showed men being dragged away by police while kneeling in prayer, with Sheikh Wesam Charkawi reporting a near-dislocated shoulder during the altercation. He asserted that the group was not disobeying police commands but was simply engaged in worship.
Alhafny, whose late husband was Palestinian and fled during the Nakba, expressed her commitment to supporting Palestine, regardless of personal connections. She described the physical and emotional toll of the incident, noting her uncertainty about recovery and future mobility at her age.
The broader implications of the protest highlight ongoing tensions between law enforcement protocols and civil liberties, with community leaders advocating for balanced approaches that protect both safety and democratic rights.
