Officer approved prayers before violent disruption
A lack of communication between police officers contributed to the violent dispersal of a group of Muslim worshipers at a protest against a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Footage of a group of Muslims performing sunset or evening prayers outside Sydney City Hall on Monday being pushed and dragged by police sparked widespread outrage.
NSW Police confirmed a senior officer allowed the prayer to end before taking the men on their way.
“The senior officer was attempting to convey this message to other officers who were changing direction in a noisy, dynamic and fast-paced situation,” a spokesman said.
“However, some worshipers continued worshiping before the senior officer’s message was delivered.”
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon still offers a qualified apology, saying the move was not aimed at any religion.
“I apologize for any offense received for interfering with the religious process,” he said.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has repeatedly refused to apologize for police actions at Monday’s protest and has staunchly backed police forcibly dispersing worshipers.
He also rejected calls for an independent investigation into police conduct during the protest because that would mean the state’s law enforcement agency is not fit for purpose.
“I truly believe that the NSW Police, their leaders, their regular officers would never disrupt a service,” the Prime Minister said.
Sheikh Wesam Charkawi, leader of Monday’s prayer, said no citizen should need protection from the police, especially when praying.
He said he was not aware of any meetings with any officials or any agreement being made.
“The only resolution of the situation should result in nothing more than an investigation and conclusions. The commissioner is ultimately responsible. Those who made the decisions should step down, resign or be dismissed,” he told AAP.
Lawyer and former police officer Mahmud Hawila, who reportedly met with officers during the protest, said police should release body-body video footage of those involved.
“Simple demands: 1. Release the video. 2. Make a public apology. 3. Independent investigation,” he said in a post on social media.
Monday’s protest was organized by pro-Palestinian groups to coincide with Mr Herzog’s contentious visit to Australia.
The four-day trip was billed as a major event that gave police greater powers over activists in much of central Sydney and the eastern suburbs.
Police officers were seen beating, pushing and pepper-spraying people during the protest, including paramedics who said they were violently pushed while trying to treat the injured.
After the rally, five people were hospitalized and nine people were charged.
