Australia Protests Police Crackdown on Rally Against Israeli President Herzog Visit

Protesters in Sydney Accuse Police of Excessive Force During Israeli President’s Visit

Thousands of protesters gathered in Sydney on Monday evening to demonstrate against the visit of Israel’s President Isaac Herzog. The event was organized by Palestine Action Group Sydney, which called for peaceful protest and demanded the resignation of government and police officials over what they described as “violent repression” of demonstrators.

According to organizers, police used pepper spray and assaulted rallygoers, resulting in 27 arrests, including 10 allegedly for assault. Opposition Greens lawmaker Abigail Boyd reported being punched by police officers while witnessing violent behavior against others.

Police stated that 27 people were arrested, but protesters claim that excessive force was used. Democracy in Colour, an Australian racial justice group, described the incident as “horrifying” and a “violent display of state power designed to silence people protesting for human rights.”

The Israeli president’s visit has been met with opposition from some Australians, who argue that he should not be immune from protests due to his alleged role in inciting genocide against Palestinians. Amnesty International’s Australia chapter stated that welcoming President Herzog undermines Australia’s commitment to accountability and justice.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appealed for calm, saying that Australians do not want conflict brought to the country. The incident has sparked concerns about police behavior and the treatment of protesters.

Source: Al Jazeera