Lanyon's bid to keep protest inquiry secret behind closed doors fails
NSW police commissioner Mal Lanyon tried to keep a protest inquiry secret. The watchdog rejected the bid.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission launched an inquiry after the February 9 anti-Herzog protest at Sydney's town hall. Many demonstrators and 10 police were injured there.
Viral video footage showed police punching multiple protesters and grabbing Muslim worshippers during sunset prayers. Thirty people were charged.
Four charges were later dropped. On September 9, Lanyon's lawyers raised concerns about holding hearings in public.
Chief Peter Johnson said this late timing was regrettable and caused delays. Johnson said the inquiry would start with a public address on October 19.
Then there would be five weeks of private hearings. Public examinations will occur only after those hearings end.
The inquiry will examine the use of OC spray, improper arrests, and police use of force at the protest. Over 800 complaints have been received about the event.
- February 9
- Date of protest
- 10
- Police injured
- 30 charged, 4 dropped
- Charges laid then dropped
- Over 800
- Complaints received
Why it mattersHow police are held accountable affects whether people trust the law.
AustraliaSydney residents and Australian civil liberties advocates are watching whether police violence at protests will face public scrutiny or be investigated in secret.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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