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Australian authorities have reportedly appealed for restraint following violent confrontations in Sydney during protests against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
As per reports, unrest erupted on Monday evening when police moved to disperse a large group of demonstrators gathered near Sydney’s Town Hall. According to police, 27 people were arrested, including 10 individuals accused of assaulting officers, after clashes broke out as crowds were ordered to clear the area.
Several protesters, including a member of the opposition, alleged on Tuesday that they were subjected to excessive force during the police action.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also reportedly said he was deeply distressed by the violence and urged demonstrators to voice their opinions through peaceful means, stressing that public safety must be respected.
Thousands of people had assembled in central Sydney earlier on Monday to oppose Herzog’s visit to Australia. The visit follows heightened tensions after a deadly shooting at a Jewish religious gathering at Bondi Beach in December, which left 15 people dead.
Police had been granted special powers ahead of the protest, allowing them to direct crowds, limit access to certain zones, and conduct vehicle searches. A legal challenge against these measures was dismissed by a Sydney court on the same day. Authorities confirmed that President Herzog was not present at the protest location.
Television footage showed tense scenes, with some demonstrators attempting to breach police barricades before being pushed back. Others were seen on the ground as officers worked to restrain individuals amid the chaos.
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