Feb 10 • 06:03 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania 15min

Australian Prime Minister regrets violence during protest against Israeli President's visit

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed regret over violent clashes during a protest in Sydney against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit.

The article discusses the recent violent clashes in Sydney during protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia. This visit, which spans four days, is intended to comfort the Jewish community in Australia following a tragic shooting in Sydney's Bondi Beach during the Hanukkah celebrations that left 15 people dead. The situation escalated on Monday evening when protesters attempted to enter areas in central Sydney that were off-limits, resulting in chaotic confrontations with police forces.

Law enforcement officials deployed pepper spray against protesters and media representatives, including journalists from news agency AFP, as they sought to control the scenario in Sydney's central business district. Prime Minister Albanese was visibly shocked by the images of violence, stating to local radio that such scenes should not occur. He emphasized the importance of peaceful expression of opinions while acknowledging that police had clearly communicated the necessary routes for demonstrators who wished to protest.

This incident has sparked further discussions about the nature of public protests in Australia, especially in light of sensitive international issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Albanese's appeal for non-violence and respect for police regulations illustrates the challenges authorities face in balancing the right to protest with maintaining public order amid heightened tensions.

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