Police re-evaluating actions following court decision.
New South Wales Police are now reviewing all charges laid against individuals arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney earlier this year. The move comes after a recent court judgment determined that specific laws, which had granted police broad powers to move on and arrest protesters, were no longer valid.
The recent ruling effectively invalidates the legal framework under which charges were brought, prompting a systematic review of every case stemming from the protest. This development impacts individuals charged with offenses related to their participation in demonstrations held outside Sydney Town Hall.
The protest, which occurred on February 9, 2026, saw thousands gather critically of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, with many holding Palestinian flags and placards. Chants like "from the river to the sea" and "globalise the intifada" were prominent. Some protesters demanded Herzog's arrest, labeling him a "war criminal." The rally proceeded despite a last-minute legal challenge by protest organisers, the Palestine Action Group (PAG), to overturn the government's designation of the visit as a "major event," which had granted police expanded authority.
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Scrutiny Over Police Conduct
The review follows widespread criticism and scrutiny of police actions during the demonstration. Videos circulated widely appeared to show police engaging in aggressive tactics, including punching protesters on the ground, forcibly dispersing individuals engaged in prayer, and using pepper spray. Human Rights Watch documented several instances of forceful dispersal tactics.
In total, 27 people were arrested at the rally. Of these, nine were later charged, with some facing offenses related to assaulting police or public order violations. The NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, confirmed the review, acknowledging the judgment’s impact on ongoing cases.
Background of Increased Powers
The expanded police powers were enacted shortly before President Herzog's visit. NSW Premier Chris Minns had granted police these extraordinary measures, a step described as rare, in response to security concerns and a prior terror attack. The NSW Police had also publicly appealed to protest organisers to avoid confrontation.
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Investigations into the conduct of police officers during the protest are also underway. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) is examining allegations of violence, with PAG calling for the resignation of both Commissioner Lanyon and Premier Minns.
Some speakers at the protest, including former Australian of the Year Grace Tame, addressed the crowd. The protest itself was held outside Sydney Town Hall, with tensions reportedly escalating, leading to police intervention. Further protests related to Herzog's visit occurred subsequently, including gatherings outside a Sydney police station.
