Israeli President continues Sydney visit; NSW Police, pro-Palestine protesters clash in Sydney CBD

At a late-night press conference on Monday, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna defended police actions against demonstrators as “justified”.

“I think the police actions tonight were absolutely justified,” McKenna said.

He said police officers were “threatened, pushed and shoved” by protesters.

“We needed to put powers in place to mobilize these crowds and direct them out of the CBD,” McKenna said.

He said this led to “a series of melee fights, occasional brawls and violent behavior from the crowd”.

“Actually, a lot of people left. Those who didn’t, if they got caught up in something, they made their choice.”

Police said 27 people were arrested, 10 of whom allegedly attacked police. Paramedics treated several people after capsicum spray was used, but no serious injuries were reported.

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