Lawyers have criticised New South Wales police for using heavy-handed tactics during the arrest of a 42-year-old anti-Isaac Herzog protester this week. Eight tactical officers from Operation Odin reportedly arrived at the suspect’s Ashfield home at 5am on Thursday, smashing the door open while the individual was asleep and half naked.
The protester is the 26th person charged following a February rally against the visiting Israeli president at Sydney Town Hall, which led to violent clashes. The police response that night is under investigation amid allegations of brutality. The arrested individual faces charges including hindering police, intimidating police, throwing a missile, and using indecent language.
Defence lawyer Nick Hanna described the arrest as unprecedented in his 20-year career, stating his client had no prior criminal history. He alleged police seized the protester’s phone and demanded the passcode. The suspect was granted conditional bail, required to report to police three times weekly and stay 300 metres from Town Hall.
Sam Lee, a policing accountability expert from Redfern Legal Centre, reviewed the arrest footage and said the charges did not match the level of policing used. “It feels like this very public and extreme use of police powers is being used as a warning to protesters,” Lee said.
NSW Police declined to comment while the case is before the court. Premier Chris Minns and Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon have defended the original rally response, with Lanyon stating officers showed “remarkable restraint” until protesters attempted to march on parliament.
