Leaked footage allegedly captures cops boasting after altercation with protester
NSW Police are facing scrutiny after leaked footage appeared to capture officers allegedly boasting about an altercation with a protester during February’s Town Hall demonstrations.
The footage, which has circulated widely online and appears to be from a body-worn camera, records a conversation allegedly between two officers following a violent clash.
The footage has circulated widely online. Supplied
NSW Police have confirmed they are aware of the footage but have declined to comment on whether the officers involved have been stood down, citing an ongoing investigation.
Greens MLC Sue Higginson condemned the behaviour, calling for immediate action.
“They have assaulted an innocent member of the public ... and they’re laughing about it,” Higginson said.
“Right now we don’t have a guarantee that that police officer is not still on the beat, or about to knock on somebody’s door.”
The February 9 protest, held to oppose the arrival of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who was visiting Sydney to mourn victims of the Bondi attack, turned hostile as police attempts to control the crowd sparked clashes.
Footage shared online showed officers interrupting a group during prayer and using force to push back demonstrators led to widespread criticism.
Following the unrest, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon ordered a review of body-camera footage while defending his officers’ response.
“The police did what they needed to do, which was to hold the line and then form and move the protesters back with a view to dispersing them,” Lanyon said.
“That was designed to keep the community safe. An angry and violent mob marching on police is not a situation I want our officers in.”
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) confirmed days after the protests that it is investigating police conduct surrounding the demonstration in the public interest. 9News
Speaking to reporters while in India, NSW Premier Chris Minns urged patience while independent bodies reviewed the footage.
“I’m aware of it, I haven’t seen it because I’ve been over here,” Minns said.
“It’s really important that we allow the independent investigation to do its work.”
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) confirmed days after the protests that it is investigating police conduct surrounding the demonstration in the public interest.
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