The NSW police commissioner made a last-minute bid to hold closed-door hearings into Sydney’s anti-Herzog protest, delaying the inquiry, the police watchdog has revealed. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (Lecc) has said that its inquiry into the February protest at Sydney’s town hall, launched after widespread allegations of police brutality, would go ahead this month with a mix of public and private examinations, saying the timing of issues raised by police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, was “regrettable”.
Background of the Anti-Herzog Protest
Lecc launched an investigation after the protest on 9 February, during which numerous protesters – and 10 officers – were injured, including demonstrators in their 70s and 80s. Viral video footage showed police punching multiple protesters, and grabbing Muslim worshippers while they undertook their sunset prayers. Thirty people were charged in the months after the protest, but four have since had their charges dropped. More than 20 of those charged are due to face a joint hearing next July.
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Last-Minute Bid by Police Commissioner
In a decision made public on Thursday, the Lecc chief commissioner, Peter Johnson SC, revealed that legal representatives for Lanyon had indicated for the “first time” on 9 September that he wished to be heard on the issue of public and private examinations. The bid was made less than two weeks before the public hearings between September and November were due to start.
Johnson said the timing of the application was “regrettable” and had delayed the start of the public hearings. He said the commission had decided to hold a mix of public and private examinations to balance the need for transparency with the need to protect sensitive information.
Impact on the Inquiry
The delay has frustrated community members and activists who have been calling for accountability since the protest. The Lecc inquiry is seen as a crucial step in addressing allegations of police brutality and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Comparison of Public vs. Private Hearings
| Aspect | Public Hearings | Private Hearings |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | High – open to media and public | Low – closed doors |
| Accountability | Enhanced – public scrutiny | Reduced – limited oversight |
| Sensitive Information | Risk of exposure | Protected |
| Community Trust | Builds trust | May erode trust |
Key Takeaways
- The NSW police commissioner’s last-minute bid delayed the Lecc inquiry into the anti-Herzog protest.
- The inquiry will proceed with a mix of public and private examinations.
- Allegations of police brutality during the protest remain central to the investigation.
- Community groups are calling for full transparency and accountability.
FAQ
What is the Lecc inquiry about?
The Lecc inquiry is investigating the police response to the anti-Herzog protest in Sydney on 9 February, following allegations of brutality.
Why did the police commissioner request closed-door hearings?
The commissioner sought to be heard on the issue of public versus private examinations, likely to protect sensitive information or operational details.
When will the public hearings take place?
The public hearings are scheduled to commence this month, though the exact dates have been delayed due to the commissioner’s bid.
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