By The Pak Global | Pakistan
Australian police have come under intense scrutiny after violent clashes erupted between officers and protesters during a demonstration against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Sydney.
Footage circulating online shows police charging into crowds and punching demonstrators during the rally on Monday night. Several protesters reported injuries, including a member of the New South Wales state parliament, who said they were hurt amid the chaos.
Police confirmed that 27 people were arrested during the protest. Of those, nine were later charged, while authorities also reported that 10 police officers were assaulted during the confrontation.
Despite the backlash, senior police officials strongly defended the response. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said on Tuesday that officers had shown “remarkable restraint” in a highly charged situation. He maintained that police “did what they needed to do” to maintain public order and ensure security during the visit.
The clashes followed a legal setback for protest organisers earlier in the day. A court rejected their bid to overturn special police powers that restricted demonstrations during President Herzog’s visit, limiting where and how protests could be held.
The incident has reignited debate in Australia over the balance between public safety and the right to protest, with critics accusing police of excessive force and authorities insisting their actions were justified under the circumstances.