World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
NSW watchdog finds limited evidence of violence by Sydney protesters
A NSW watchdog is investigating police actions at a February protest in Sydney against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has begun public and private hearings into how police handled the rally.
Early evidence shows limited physical violence by protesters, and the protest appears to have been largely peaceful at first.
The inquiry is examining police use of pepper spray and force, crowd containment, arrests and the treatment of Muslim worshippers at sunset prayers.
The watchdog has reviewed more than 1,000 hours of footage and compiled 400 complaints, while also noting evidence of police restraint and some protesters throwing objects.
No findings have been made, and the inquiry is not a criminal trial or corruption hearing.
Its stated aim is to identify any systemic problems and draw lessons so peaceful protest can continue in New South Wales.
A New South Wales watchdog says early evidence suggests protesters at a February rally in Sydney were largely peaceful, with limited evidence of physical violence by protesters.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission opened public and private hearings into police actions at the rally against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit.
The inquiry is examining police use of force, including pepper spray, arrests, crowd dispersal and allegations that protesters were confined without a clear exit.
The commission has compiled a register of 400 complaints and reviewed more than 1,000 hours of footage.
Counsel assisting the inquiry said no findings had yet been made and that the investigation aims to identify systemic issues and lessons.
- Who
- The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission is examining NSW Police actions at the rally.
- What
- The watchdog opened hearings into police conduct and said early evidence showed limited physical violence by protesters.
- When
- The rally took place on 9 February 2026; the hearings opened on Monday, 19 October 2026.
- Where
- At Sydney Town Hall and nearby areas in Sydney, New South Wales.
- Why
- The inquiry followed complaints and allegations of police misconduct, including excessive force, during the protest.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A protest against Isaac Herzog’s visit took place at Sydney Town Hall.
The LECC announced it was investigating the police operation, including officers’ use of force.
The commission said it had reviewed more than 450 submitted items and more than 1,000 hours of CCTV footage.
The LECC opened public and private hearings into police actions at the protest.
- Complaints
- 400 complaints registered by the watchdog
- Footage reviewed
- More than 1,000 hours
- Protest date
- 9 February 2026
- Inquiry
- Operation Makalu
- Charges withdrawn
- Almost a dozen protesters had charges withdrawn; seven withdrawals were reported on Friday
4 sources
Bodycam video shows police officer shoving Herzog protester before ‘I punched him in the head’ boast
Lawyer says video from Town Hall protest shows 'degrading' police treatment
What people are saying
there is limited evidence of physical violence on the part of the protesters. The protest appears to have been largely peaceful in its early stages.
the central purpose of the commission's examination is to ensure that any systemic issues are identified and for there to be lessons learned from the 9th of February so that peaceful protest may continue in New South Wales.
We have, throughout this investigation, sought to work collaboratively and cooperatively with the Commissioner of Police and his representatives.