Australia police crackdown on pro-Palestine protests terrifying

Published: 17 February 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Australia is confronting deep questions about civil liberties and policing after dramatic scenes at pro-Palestine protests in Sydney and other cities, where demonstrators describe being met with aggressive force by police that many witnesses call disproportionate and frightening. The clashes erupted against the backdrop of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s recent visit and have sparked widespread scrutiny of law enforcement tactics and the rights of Australians to protest.

Legal observer Rebecca Payne, standing on the edge of a crowd in Sydney on February 9, recounted a moment that encapsulated the shock felt by many. Wearing a fluorescent vest, she said she was unexpectedly pepper-sprayed by police with capsicum spray — a chemical irritant — without warning. “I literally could not see a thing,” Payne said, describing how the spray hit her eyes and face, causing pain and temporary blindness. “It was absolutely terrifying … shock, then fear.”

The protest, organised to oppose Herzog’s visit and to call attention to civilian deaths in Gaza, quickly descended into clashes between police and demonstrators, with videos shared on social media showing scenes of officers punching individuals on the ground, pushing back crowds and dispersing people who were reportedly complying with directions. Human Rights Watch and other rights groups have raised concerns about the use of force, suggesting that officers may have crossed the line from crowd control into outright repression.

New South Wales police and authorities defended their actions, saying that 27 people were arrested — nine of whom were later charged — and that officers had been outnumbered and faced aggressive behaviour from some in the crowd. Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said that officers were forced to act amid “meleés” and “rolling fights” and insisted that police showed “remarkable restraint.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon invoked expanded powers under a “major event” declaration during Herzog’s visit, which gave officers additional authority to limit assemblies — powers now under independent investigation by the state Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC). Officials say the restrictions, now lifted following the end of Herzog’s trip, were intended to maintain public safety and prevent unrest, though critics argue they trampled on fundamental democratic rights.

The backlash extends beyond immediate arrests and injuries. Amnesty International Australia described the police response as “unnecessary and disproportionate,” particularly in incidents where people praying or standing peacefully were struck by officers or sprayed at close range. The organisation called for law enforcement to protect the right to protest rather than suppress it.

Civil rights advocates and legal observers also note that Australia’s use of force at these rallies is part of a broader trend. Research by groups such as the Australian Democracy Network points to increasing deployment of pepper spray and other crowd-control measures at protests over recent years, often leaving demonstrators with treatable but real injuries including bruises, sprains and eye irritation.

Politicians are sharply divided. NSW Premier Chris Minns defended police amid criticism, urging the public not to judge actions based on brief social media clips and saying officers acted amid a “very difficult situation.” Federal leaders have called for calm while also affirming the importance of peaceful protest.

The protests come after Australia recognised a Palestinian state in 2025 and amid wider domestic debate about political expression, free speech and the boundaries of lawful dissent. Some legal challenges, including one brought by the Palestine Action Group against extra police powers, have already failed in court, leaving campaigners to explore other avenues to challenge what they see as unlawful restrictions on assembly.

Observers say the events mark a watershed moment for Australian civil liberties, with many calling for clearer guidelines on the policing of protests and stronger independent oversight to prevent future clashes. For protesters and rights advocates, the scenes of violence and fear will linger long after the crowds have dispersed — a stark reminder that the right to peaceful demonstration remains a fragile and fiercely contested part of democratic life.

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