The police watchdog for New South Wales has announced it will investigate the actions of officers during Monday’s protest in Sydney against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
In a statement issued on Friday morning, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) decided it was “in the public interest” to investigate the violent clashes between police and demonstrators at Town Hall.
“Following the receipt of a significant number of complaints, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has decided that it is in the public interest to investigate the police operation at Sydney Town Hall,” it said.
“Including incidents of alleged misconduct on the part of NSW police officers against persons attending that location for a protest.”
The LECC will study videos recorded during the protest. (ABC News: Digby Werthmuller)
The LECC said it would obtain and review all available material, including video and phone footage, documents, records and other information, including that held by NSW Police.
It will also hold hearings.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the LECC will hand a public report to NSW parliament.
PAG welcomes LECC investigation
Premier Chris Minns this week defended the actions of police, saying officers did “everything possible” to avoid violent confrontations.
Vision from the event organised by Palestine Action Group (PAG) shows officers punching demonstrators in an attempt to subdue the crowd.
PAG spokesperson Amal Naser welcomed the independent investigation, saying the response “bore all the hallmarks of a police riot”.
“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,” she said.
The police response to the protest has drawn criticism from Greens MPs and several prominent members of the Muslim community.
Greens justice spokeswoman Sue Higginson, who attended the protest, described police as having “violence in their blood, minds”.
Commissioner defends actions of police
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon denied any accusations of police brutality during the operation.
“Our police showed remarkable restraint,” he said on Tuesday.
“During the first part of the speeches it was peaceful. We were working continuously with the organiser.
“However, speakers were inciting the crowd to march. We had made it clear throughout the week that a march through the CBD was unacceptable.”
The backlash from religious leaders was sparked after vision showed officers physically moving a group of Muslims while they were praying on Monday night.
Commissioner Lanyon has since apologised for “any offence taken for interfering with that religious process”.