The NSW police watchdog will investigate the conduct of officers after violent clashes erupted at a Sydney protest opposing the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
In a statement on Friday, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) said it had received a significant number of complaints about police conduct and it was in the "public interest" to investigate the police operation at Town Hall on Monday night.
"The Commission will obtain and review all available material including video and phone footage, documents, records and other information including that held by the NSW Police Force," it said.
"The Commission will conduct hearings as part of the investigative process.
"At the conclusion of the investigation the Commission will furnish a public report to the NSW Parliament concerning the investigation."
Protest organisers welcome investigation
Palestine Action Group (PAG), which organised Monday's rally, welcomed the move.
"The police operation bore all the hallmarks of a police riot, targeting peaceful demonstrators who gathered to oppose the visit of President Isaac Herzog," PAG organiser Amal Naser said in a statement on Friday.
"Under the Minns Labor Government, civil liberties in New South Wales have been steadily eroded. The events on Monday marked a dangerous escalation, with people young and old subjected to force for exercising their democratic right to protest.
"We have already seen reports of elderly women suffering serious injuries, worshippers allegedly assaulted after being permitted to pray, and minors arrested during what was a peaceful demonstration."
The PAG also called on NSW Premier Chris Minns, Police Minister Yasmin Catley and police commissioner Mal Lanyon to "take responsiblity and resign" for authorising the operation.
Videos posted on social media appeared to show NSW Police officers pinning down and repeatedly punching protesters, violently dispersing people kneeling in prayer, punching civilians lying on the ground, and charging at and pepper-spraying protesters.
Police said scuffles broke out, with 27 people arrested and taken to police stations across Sydney, while NSW Police assistant commissioner Peter McKenna said police actions were "justified" and he was "very proud" of their conduct.
When asked whether he condemned the actions of the police, Minns said on Tuesday he refused to "throw police under the bus" as they were placed in an "impossible situation".
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