10.02.2026 19:25
During a protest in Australia in support of Palestine, a demonstrator was repeatedly punched after being taken to the ground by police. The emergence of footage from the incident in New South Wales has heightened reactions to the security forces' intervention, while police violence has become a topic of discussion in the country once again.
Pro-Palestinian Protester in Australia Punched Repeatedly by Police on the Ground
During a protest held in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, in support of Palestine, a demonstrator was repeatedly punched by police after being subdued on the ground. Footage of the incident has sparked significant public outrage, while the police intervention has led to intense debates in the country.
PUNCHED WHILE HANDCUFFED ON THE GROUND
In footage recorded during protests in Sydney, a pro-Palestinian demonstrator wearing a keffiyeh is seen being taken to the ground by two police officers, with their hands restrained behind their back. The footage shows the protester, face down and motionless, being punched repeatedly in the head and back without being allowed to defend themselves.
The demonstrator is surrounded by numerous police officers, and at the time of the incident, protesters can be heard shouting, "You are monsters!"
FOOTAGE PUBLISHED BY THE GUARDIAN
The footage in question was published by The Guardian Australia. The rapidly spreading images on social media have brought the NSW police's stance on protests back into the spotlight. Human rights advocates argue that the intervention clearly involved excessive force.
Authorities defended the police intervention, claiming it was necessary to maintain public order during the protests.
PROTESTS ORGANIZED DUE TO HERZOG'S VISIT
Pro-Palestinian protests were organized due to the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia. Herzog's visit was met with backlash in many cities, especially in Sydney.
During a demonstration in Sydney attended by approximately 6,000 people, police intervened when the crowd attempted to march to the town hall. Many individuals were detained during the events.
LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST 9 DEMONSTRATORS
Authorities announced that a lawsuit had been filed against 9 individuals who were detained on charges of "assaulting police, obstructing their duties, and refusing to comply with orders." The footage of the intervention shared on social media has further fueled the discussion on police violence, independent of the lawsuits.
HERZOG'S INVITATION SPARKED CONTROVERSY
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had invited Herzog to the country to commemorate the victims of an attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people.
However, some members of the ruling Labor Party and numerous civil society organizations demanded the cancellation of the visit due to crimes committed in Gaza. The Australian National Imams Council, the Australian Jewish Council, and the Hind Rajab Foundation also approached authorities to request that Herzog be denied a visa and that an investigation be launched against him.