The New South Wales (NSW) Police watchdog will investigate allegations of misconduct against officers after violent clashes with crowds protesting a visit by the Israeli president this week.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission said it had decided it was 'in the public interest' to investigate Monday's police operation after receiving a 'significant number of complaints'.
Videos that emerged after the rally appeared to show police punching protesters and dragging away a group of praying Muslim men. A state MP was among those who said she was injured.
The NSW Police Commissioner has previously defended officers, saying they showed 'remarkable restraint' after protesters refused directions.
The commission on Friday stated it would review all available material, including video footage, alongside conducting hearings before delivering a public report to the state parliament.
Thousands of people attended the rally, protesting against Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who has been accused of inciting genocide against Palestinians in Gaza by a UN commission – which he denies.
Despite objections from pro-Palestinian groups, the government invited him to Australia after an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in December, saying it would help the Jewish community heal.
The Palestine Action Group (PAG), which organized Monday's protest, welcomed the investigation and called for the resignation of NSW Premier Chris Minns and police Minister Yasmin Catley.
'Amal Naser from PAG stated, The police operation bore all the hallmarks of a police riot, targeting peaceful demonstrators. Genocide is a crime. Protest is not.
The Australian National Imams Council has called the police conduct not reflective of 'the Australia we know' and reiterated its demand for an apology.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) emphasized the need for transparency and accountability following these events, highlighting that it was part of a broader issue concerning anti-Palestinian racism in Australia.
'It's about the shrinking of democratic space and an attack on fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly,' said APAN's Katie Shammas.
Monday's rally was organized just hours after protesters lost a legal bid to overturn the designation of the major powers for police, which restricted their ability to march.
Twenty-seven individuals were arrested at the protest, with nine charged, as police reported that ten officers were assaulted during the incidents.
In response, a NSW Police Force spokesperson noted they would 'work cooperatively' with the ongoing inquiry, emphasizing respect for the LECC's independent oversight.
Premier Minns previously defended police actions without an apology for the disruptions, urging the public not to judge by short clips without understanding the full context. However, he declined to apologize to the Muslim community specifically for the police's actions during the protest.}
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission said it had decided it was 'in the public interest' to investigate Monday's police operation after receiving a 'significant number of complaints'.
Videos that emerged after the rally appeared to show police punching protesters and dragging away a group of praying Muslim men. A state MP was among those who said she was injured.
The NSW Police Commissioner has previously defended officers, saying they showed 'remarkable restraint' after protesters refused directions.
The commission on Friday stated it would review all available material, including video footage, alongside conducting hearings before delivering a public report to the state parliament.
Thousands of people attended the rally, protesting against Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who has been accused of inciting genocide against Palestinians in Gaza by a UN commission – which he denies.
Despite objections from pro-Palestinian groups, the government invited him to Australia after an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in December, saying it would help the Jewish community heal.
The Palestine Action Group (PAG), which organized Monday's protest, welcomed the investigation and called for the resignation of NSW Premier Chris Minns and police Minister Yasmin Catley.
'Amal Naser from PAG stated, The police operation bore all the hallmarks of a police riot, targeting peaceful demonstrators. Genocide is a crime. Protest is not.
The Australian National Imams Council has called the police conduct not reflective of 'the Australia we know' and reiterated its demand for an apology.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) emphasized the need for transparency and accountability following these events, highlighting that it was part of a broader issue concerning anti-Palestinian racism in Australia.
'It's about the shrinking of democratic space and an attack on fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly,' said APAN's Katie Shammas.
Monday's rally was organized just hours after protesters lost a legal bid to overturn the designation of the major powers for police, which restricted their ability to march.
Twenty-seven individuals were arrested at the protest, with nine charged, as police reported that ten officers were assaulted during the incidents.
In response, a NSW Police Force spokesperson noted they would 'work cooperatively' with the ongoing inquiry, emphasizing respect for the LECC's independent oversight.
Premier Minns previously defended police actions without an apology for the disruptions, urging the public not to judge by short clips without understanding the full context. However, he declined to apologize to the Muslim community specifically for the police's actions during the protest.}
