A 69-year-old woman who suffered four broken vertebrae after allegedly being pushed by a police officer at a Sydney protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog is planning to sue the state of New South Wales for personal injury, her lawyer says. Jann Alhafny remains in hospital, and her lawyer, Peter O'Brien, says she is one of at least seven protesters from Monday's demonstration seeking legal advice over alleged police brutality.
However, legal action faces hurdles due to Section 62 of the Major Events Act 2009, which states 'compensation is not payable' for actions of police during major events. The NSW government designated Herzog's four-day visit as such. O'Brien plans to challenge this designation, arguing that legislation shielding authorities from liability for criminal wrongdoing is 'inherently unlawful'.
The protest turned violent after some demonstrators attempted to march to state parliament in defiance of a new anti-protest law. Police used pepper spray and kettling to disperse the crowd. Alhafny alleges she was pushed to the ground, with others falling on top of her, fearing a stampede or suffocation. She described the officer's actions as 'excruciating'.
Other protesters have also sought legal advice. A man seen in a viral video being punched multiple times by officers, and Ali Al-Lami, who alleges he was called a racial slur and punched while being arrested, are among them. A 16-year-old boy was allegedly pushed, kicked, and restrained before being released without charge.
The NSW Police Commissioner has apologised 'for any offence that may have been taken' after officers dragged Muslim men from evening prayers. The Law Enforcement Corruption Commission will investigate alleged misconduct. Lawyers are coordinating a legal response and gathering evidence.
