Sydney Police Face Mounting Pressure Over Disruption of Muslim Prayer During Protest
Amid growing calls for accountability, NSW Police are facing intense scrutiny following the disruption of a group of Muslim men praying during a protest in Sydney. The incident, which occurred during a rally against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit, has sparked outrage and demands for a public apology.
NSW Police Force confirmed on Thursday that the men had previously received permission to worship. The situation unfolded after the protest, which began peacefully, escalated when some participants attempted to march towards the NSW Parliament – an action prohibited under a Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (PARD).
Initial Permission and Subsequent Disruption
Footage circulating online depicts officers forcibly removing individuals while they were engaged in prayer. A police spokesperson explained that a senior officer had authorized the continuation of worship at Town Hall Square on Monday evening. However, the message failed to reach all officers involved in directing protesters to disperse during a “noisy, dynamic and fast-moving situation.” As a result, some worshippers were moved on before the directive to allow prayer could be communicated.
Apology Offered, But Deemed Insufficient
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon issued an apology for “any offence taken” regarding the interference with the religious practice. “I have apologised for any offence taken for interfering with that religious process,” Lanyon stated. He further clarified that the move-on direction was not intended to target any specific religion.
Commissioner Lanyon also revealed he had contacted leaders within the Muslim community to express his regret for “any offence that may have been taken.” He defended the operational decision to disperse the crowd, stating that police responded to escalating aggression and violence towards officers after protesters defied orders to remain stationary. “When a large group got together on George Street and decided to march, despite clear directions that they were to disperse and not to march, and they became aggressive and violent towards police, police had to make an operational decision,” he told ABC Radio Sydney.
Calls for Public Accountability
Despite the commissioner’s private apologies, demands for a more comprehensive response are growing. Gamel Kheir, secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association, argued that a private apology is insufficient. “We’re calling for the commissioner and the premier [Chris Minns] to make a public apology on mainstream media, exactly the same way,” Kheir stated.
Independent federal MP Allegra Spender echoed these concerns, advocating for an independent inquiry into the police response to “restore public trust.” Premier Chris Minns, however, has publicly defended the police force, asserting that “constant protests form a risk to community cohesion.”
The incident underscores the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting religious freedom, and the need for clear communication within law enforcement during dynamic public events.
