NSW Police Commissioner Warns of Significant Presence at Second Sydney Protest
Community members planning to gather for a protest against what organisers term "police brutality" can expect another significant police presence, according to New South Wales' top law enforcement official. This warning comes after violent clashes erupted during demonstrations against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's Australian visit in Sydney's central business district on Monday.
Violent Scenes During Initial Demonstration
Ugly scenes unfolded as protesters venting their fury over President Herzog's controversial visit physically clashed with police officers. The Palestine Action Group has organised a second demonstration scheduled for Tuesday afternoon outside the Surry Hills Police Station, explicitly calling it a protest against police brutality.
The activist group has issued several demands through their public statements:
- "Genocide is a crime, protest is not. Arrest Herzog, not protesters"
- "Drop all charges against protesters"
- "NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon must resign"
Police Response and Preparedness
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon addressed the situation on Tuesday morning, stating that authorities were prepared for the upcoming demonstration. "We want it to remain calm and peaceful," Lanyon emphasized. "We will have a significant police presence."
The Commissioner clarified the police approach: "There is no difference in the approach to police. Where protesters go, act lawfully, act peacefully, there will be no problem. It will be the actions of protesters that determine what happens. We want it to remain calm and peaceful."
Monday's Violent Confrontation
According to police statements, tensions escalated dramatically on Monday when officers asked the gathering to disperse rather than proceed with a planned march. Certain areas of Sydney currently have restrictions on public assemblies that made the planned march unlawful.
NSW Police reported that "a section of the crowd attempted to push past officers with the intention of marching, against the Public Assembly Restriction Declaration." When participants failed to comply with dispersal orders, officers moved to clear the crowd, including anyone blocking pedestrian access.
The confrontation resulted in:
- Close to thirty arrests
- Nine people charged with assault and public order offences
- Six additional people in the process of being issued Future Court Attendance Notices
Controversial Visit and Community Reactions
President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia has generated significant controversy. While the Israeli leader is in the country to support the Jewish community mourning after the antisemitic terror attack in Bondi, opposition has emerged over his four-day stay. Critics have made allegations that Herzog incited genocide in Gaza, claims that he strongly denies.
Social media videos from Monday night's demonstration showed disturbing scenes:
- Protesters being pepper-sprayed
- Physical beatings and shoving
- Multiple scuffles breaking out between demonstrators and police
Organiser's Perspective
Palestine Action Group organiser Josh Lees argued that the demonstration was fundamentally "peaceful" and alleged that police had carried out a violent attack on protesters. Lees specifically mentioned a "man with his hands raised in surrender" among those allegedly targeted.
"This was an attack not just on people who were trying to march," Lees stated. "This was an attack on everyone who was just trying to have even a static rally which was completely lawful and allowed even under all these current protest restrictions. The vast majority of people in that crowd, it wasn't just some small minority, either directly experienced or witnessed all around them really sickening acts of police brutality against people who were just trying to disperse."
Political and Community Response
As videos of the chaotic scenes circulated online, NSW Premier Chris Minns defended police actions while acknowledging the complex circumstances. "NSW Police have had a strong and co-operative relationship with Sydney's Islamic and Arabic community, going back decades," Minns noted. "But context is important and the circumstances facing police were incredibly difficult. It was in effect in the middle of a riot."
Commissioner Lanyon addressed accountability concerns, confirming that body-worn camera footage would be reviewed. "Every officer is accountable for their actions," he stated. "But can I say police were confronted by an angry and aggressive group of protesters. We had to move them forward. As the Commissioner, I'm committed to making sure that we review the actions of police. Can I say I am proud of what they did last night in holding the line."
The Commissioner added a pointed reminder: "NSW Police are not punching bags."
