Court sees footage of police grabbing protesters by head and neck at Town Hall
Defence footage showed NSW Police grabbing protesters by the head or neck during a February 9 Town Hall demonstration.
Sixteen protesters have been charged with assaulting police at a Sydney Town Hall rally. The defence presented court footage.
The footage allegedly shows unlawful arrests and excessive force. Adam Adelpour and the others face trial next year.
The charges relate to the February 9 demonstration. It was against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit.
Defence lawyers showed a 32-minute video compilation in local court on Friday. The footage included police grabbing protesters by the head or neck.
It showed officers forcibly breaking up a group of men performing sunset prayer. One police officer was recorded saying "They've had all day to pray" before dispersing the worshippers.
A defence lawyer told the court the footage supported claims of unlawful arrests. A local court judge ruled the defence had legitimate reason to seek police communications and documents.
- 16
- Protesters charged
- February 9
- Protest date
- 32 minutes
- Video compilation length
- Adam Adelpour
- Key defendant
Why it mattersThe case centres on whether police conduct was lawful at a political protest. The defence argues the police used unlawful force.
AustraliaSydney residents' rights at protests are at stake, with courts now examining whether NSW Police used excessive force and whether protesters have the right to pray at demonstrations.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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