A 69-year-old woman named Jann Alhafny is preparing to sue the New South Wales government for personal injuries sustained when a police officer allegedly pushed her down at a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Sydney. This incident is part of a broader context where at least seven other protesters from the demonstration are also seeking legal advice regarding alleged police brutality in response to the significant tensions surrounding Herzog's visit. Alhafny's injuries include four broken vertebrae, and she remains hospitalized, raising concerns about police conduct during protests.

However, the path to seeking compensation for the injuries appears challenging due to an obscure legal provision from a 2009 law that grants police additional powers during major events. This section of the legislation suggests that no compensation may be payable for actions taken by police officers during these events, complicating the protesters’ case. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns’ government categorized Herzog's visit as a major event, effectively giving police enhanced authority and immunity against claims made by individuals affected by their actions during the protest.

The situation has prompted a Supreme Court challenge regarding the designation of Herzog's visit as a major event and the implications of police actions under this framework. Protesters argue that their rights to peacefully assemble and voice dissent have been severely undermined by police behavior, and this legal battle is poised to draw attention to the ongoing friction between law enforcement practices and civil liberties in Australia, especially in the context of protests against international figures and policies.