NSW Premier Chris Minns has continued to stand behind police actions at last Monday’s protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia.
“It was a difficult situation. I believe police were in a tough spot,” he told reporters.
Some protesters have described police conduct at the protest as being unlawful, with many attending a pop-up legal clinic in south-western Sydney seeking free legal advice.
James Ricketson was among those seeking advice following a scuffle with NSW Police. While Ricketson doesn’t clearly recall the moment of his arrest, footage shows him placing his hand on the shoulder of an officer who was scuffling with another protester.
Other officers then grab Ricketson’s hand and drag him into a group of six officers. A struggle follows before Ricketson is put in a headlock, dragged to the ground and piled on by several officers. He says he was then placed under arrest and later released without charge.
In response to SBS News, NSW Police said it couldn’t comment on Ricketson’s testimony as a critical incident investigation and a separate investigation by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission were underway.
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