Officer gave men permission to pray before they were removed from rally, police say
NSW Police confirmed that Muslim men had permission to pray at a Sydney protest before being forcibly removed by officers.
During a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia, a group of Muslim men was interrupted by police while praying, despite having received permission from officers to continue their worship. The incident took place at Town Hall Square in Sydney and has drawn significant criticism of the NSW Police for their handling of the situation. Footage from the event captured the moment police intervened, raising concerns regarding the rights of protesters and the appropriateness of police actions during peaceful assemblies.
The protest began peacefully but escalated into chaos as demonstrators attempted to march to the NSW Parliament, which was deemed against the restrictions set out in a Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (PARD). This situation has sparked further debate over police authority in managing public protests and the treatment of minority communities during such events. Many are calling for accountability and a public apology from the NSW Police for their perceived overreach.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions related to protests against government actions, particularly those involving international relations and community rights. As public scrutiny intensifies, the police's approach to handling protests may face increased examination, potentially influencing future policies regarding the balance between maintaining order and respecting civil liberties.