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An independent investigation has been initiated into allegations of police brutality following a pro-Palestine demonstration in Sydney on 9 February 2026. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) will scrutinise the actions of officers during the protest, which was held in opposition to Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit, after numerous complaints surfaced concerning the police’s response. This inquiry comes despite the reluctance of New South Wales Premier Chris Minns to support an independent review.
Allegations of Misconduct
The LECC’s decision to investigate follows disturbing reports of police violence during the demonstration at Sydney Town Hall. Eyewitness accounts and video evidence suggest that officers employed excessive force against peaceful protesters, including the use of pepper spray and physical assaults. A 69-year-old woman has reportedly suffered a broken vertebra after being allegedly pushed to the ground by police.
The commission aims to gather all relevant materials, including video footage and documents, to ensure a comprehensive review of the events that unfolded. The LECC has committed to holding hearings and will ultimately provide a public report to the New South Wales Parliament detailing its findings.
Government Response
Premier Minns has stood firmly by the police’s actions, asserting that they were simply fulfilling their duties in a challenging environment. “We can’t blame the police for doing what we asked them to do,” he remarked, rejecting calls for an independent inquiry. His position has sparked criticism from various quarters, with many accusing the government of creating an “unsafe situation” for demonstrators through its anti-protest policies.
Yasmin Catley, the state’s police minister, acknowledged the LECC’s role as a robust oversight body, stating that it is vital to allow the commission the space to conduct its work. Minns, however, has dismissed suggestions that his government’s restrictions on protests contributed to the turmoil faced by law enforcement.
Community Outcry
The Palestine Action Group has expressed strong support for the LECC’s inquiry. Spokesperson Amal Naser described the police operation as reminiscent of a “police riot” that targeted peaceful demonstrators. The group has highlighted the injuries suffered by participants, including serious harm to elderly women and the detention of minors during the protest.
Sheikh Wesam Charkawi, who led a prayer disrupted by police intervention, called for a thorough and independent investigation into the events leading up to the altercations. He emphasised that police actions are often influenced by directives issued prior to public demonstrations, and he urged accountability from both the Premier and the police minister.
Calls for Accountability
Daniela Gavshon, the Australia director of Human Rights Watch, labelled the scenes witnessed during the protests as “alarming and distressing.” She welcomed the LECC’s announcement as a crucial step toward addressing any wrongdoing and ensuring that officers who engage in excessive force are held accountable.
Timothy Roberts, president of the New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties, echoed this sentiment, arguing that the gravity of the allegations necessitates an independent investigation. He lamented the lack of immediate action from the Premier and police minister, suggesting that their opposition to an inquiry has eroded public trust in law enforcement.
Why it Matters
The launch of this investigation into police conduct during a protest highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding civil liberties and state authority in Australia. As the community grapples with the implications of police actions, the scrutiny placed on law enforcement during public demonstrations is increasingly crucial. Ensuring accountability not only restores public confidence but also reinforces the right to protest—a fundamental aspect of democratic society. The outcomes of the LECC’s inquiry may well shape future interactions between law enforcement and citizens exercising their rights to peaceful assembly.
