Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Surry Hills Police Station in Sydney on Tuesday evening, following clashes with police during demonstrations against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, according to reports from February 10th and 11th.
The renewed protests came after approximately 30,000 people rallied at Sydney’s Town Hall on Monday in opposition to Herzog’s Australian tour. NSW Police reported 27 arrests and nine people charged following the Monday demonstration, with five individuals requiring hospital treatment after confrontations with officers. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated his officers showed “remarkable restraint” during the protests, a claim disputed by many demonstrators and observers.
Footage circulating online, and referenced by Greens MP Sue Higginson, appears to reveal police officers using force against protesters, including punching demonstrators, disrupting prayers, and deploying capsicum spray. Higginson has referred the actions of police to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission for investigation.
Tuesday’s protest at Harmony Park, near the Surry Hills Police Station, saw demonstrators chanting slogans such as “This is not a police state” and demanding that NSW Premier Chris Minns resign and all charges against protesters be dropped. The mention of Minns’ name reportedly drew boos from the crowd. Protesters carried signs reading “stop police brutality” and “too many coppas, never any justice.”
Palestine Action Group organiser Josh Lees told the rally that protesters would not be intimidated, stating, “In order to roll out the red carpet for him they crushed the rights of the people in this city to protest against him. We absolutely will not be intimidated.”
A massive security operation involving 3,000 police officers has been deployed across Sydney during Herzog’s tour. Nine people – seven men and two women aged between 19 and 67 – have been charged with offences including assaulting or hindering police and failing to comply with a direction. An additional six individuals will receive court attendance notices for refusing or failing to comply with police directions.
As of Wednesday, February 11th, the NSW Police have not responded to requests for further comment regarding specific allegations of excessive force. President Herzog is scheduled to continue his visit to Australia, with further protests anticipated.
