Palestinian Australian Sues NSW Police Over Alleged Assault at Herzog 2026

A Palestinian Australian man is suing New South Wales police over an alleged assault during an anti-Isaac Herzog protest, claiming he was punched while trying to protect a group of Muslim men praying. Eyad Shadid, a 26-year-old member of the Palestine Action Group, has filed a civil case in the NSW district court, alleging assault, battery, false imprisonment, misfeasance in public office, and malicious prosecution.

The incident occurred on the evening of February 9 near Sydney's Town Hall, where a protest was held against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Shadid says he was looking for his mother, who had become separated from him in the crowd, when he found himself between advancing police and a group of Muslim men engaged in prayer. According to his statement of claim, he told officers, "Stop, they are praying," and was then allegedly dragged and punched by Constable Daniel Stewart.

Allegations of Police Misconduct

Shadid's lawsuit details a series of accusations against the NSW police force. He claims that officers not only used excessive force but also subjected him to false accusations and a malicious prosecution. In his statement of claim, Shadid asserts that the police actions were unlawful and that he was targeted because of his participation in the protest.

"I attended the protest to object to our government rolling out the red carpet for Isaac Herzog, president of a state that has been found by United Nations commissioners and most major human rights organisations to be perpetrating a genocide," Shadid told Guardian Australia. "The right to protest in this state must mean more than words on paper, and if we must go to court to prove that, then so be it. I did not go to town hall looking for trouble. I went to be counted."

Legal Claims and Context

The lawsuit is a significant legal challenge to police conduct during protests. Shadid's case includes claims of:

• Assault and battery
• False imprisonment
• Misfeasance in public office
• Malicious prosecution

These allegations, if proven, could have serious implications for how NSW police handle demonstrations, particularly those involving minority communities and religious practices. The case also highlights broader concerns about the right to protest in Australia and the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists.

Comparison of Police Response to Protests

To understand the severity of the allegations, it is useful to compare police responses to different types of protests:

This table is based on media reports and may not represent official statistics, but it illustrates a pattern of concern regarding police actions at pro-Palestinian events.

Broader Implications for Protest Rights

Shadid's case is more than a personal grievance; it raises questions about the balance between public order and the right to peaceful assembly. Legal experts suggest that if the court finds in Shadid's favor, it could lead to changes in police training and accountability measures.

"This case could set a precedent for how police interact with protesters, especially those from marginalized communities," says Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a legal analyst. "It underscores the need for clear guidelines on the use of force during demonstrations."

The NSW police have not yet commented on the lawsuit, but they are expected to defend the actions of their officers. The case is scheduled to be heard in the NSW district court, with a date yet to be set.

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