New South Wales police have acknowledged that a failure in communication contributed to the violent disruption of a group of Muslim worshippers during a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney. Footage of officers shoving and dragging men performing the sunset prayer outside Sydney Town Hall on Monday sparked widespread outrage.
A senior officer had agreed to allow the worshippers to finish their prayer before being moved on, but that message was not relayed to officers on the ground, a police spokesperson said on Friday. The spokesperson described the situation as 'noisy, dynamic and fast-moving'. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon offered a qualified apology, stating that the move-on direction was not targeting any religion.
Premier Chris Minns has steadfastly refused to apologise, backing the police actions and rejecting calls for an independent inquiry. He argued that officers would never disrupt a prayer service unless it was 'in the middle of a riot'. The leader of the prayer, Sheikh Wesam Charkawi, dismissed this, calling for an inquiry and consequences for those involved.
Mahmud Hawila, a barrister and former police officer who negotiated with senior officer David El-Badawi during the protest, has demanded the release of body-worn video footage, a public apology, and an independent investigation. Monday's protest was organised by pro-Palestine groups to coincide with Herzog's visit, which had been declared a 'major event', granting police additional powers.
Officers were seen using force, including punching and pepper spraying protesters and medics. Five people were taken to hospital, and nine were charged. The incident has intensified debate over police conduct and religious freedom in Australia.
