Sydney Protests Spark Concerns Over Police Brutality and Protest Laws

Demonstrations against Israeli President's visit met with heavy-handed police response, drawing comparisons to unrest in Minneapolis

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Thousands of protesters gathered in Sydney to demonstrate against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who has been accused of inciting genocide in Gaza. The protests turned violent as riot police used force against the peaceful demonstrators, with reports of protesters being assaulted, pepper-sprayed, and arrested. The heavy-handed police response and the NSW government's praise of the officers' conduct have drawn comparisons to the unrest in Minneapolis, where similar tactics were used against protesters. Concerns have been raised about the state's increasingly restrictive protest laws, which critics say are designed to clamp down on dissent.

Why it matters

The Sydney protests highlight growing concerns about the erosion of democratic rights and the ability of citizens to freely express their views, particularly on issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The heavy-handed police response and the government's defense of the officers' actions raise questions about the balance between public safety and the right to protest, as well as the potential misuse of anti-protest laws to silence dissent.

The details

Video footage emerged of NSW police using brutal force, throwing punches and assaulting people. Many protesters told harrowing stories of being attacked and pepper-sprayed, including a disturbing video showing Muslims engaged in peaceful prayer being dragged off the ground. Twenty-seven people were arrested and several were injured. Despite the evidence, NSW Premier Chris Minns and former politician Tony Abbott have denied police brutality and praised the officers' conduct.

  • On February 16, 2026, around 6,000 people gathered in Sydney to protest the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
  • The protests turned violent as riot police used force against the peaceful demonstrators.

The players

Isaac Herzog

The President of Israel, who has been accused of inciting genocide in Gaza.

Chris Minns

The Premier of New South Wales, who has defended the police's actions and opposed the invitation of a Palestinian-Australian writer to speak at a local writers festival.

Tony Abbott

A former Australian politician who has praised the police's conduct and called for the use of tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters.

Josh Lees

A member of the Palestine Action Group, which organized the protests against the Israeli President's visit.

Jenny Leong

A Greens MP in New South Wales who said protesters tried to disperse peacefully but were obstructed by riot police.

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What they’re saying

“As protests erupt nationwide against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Australians are raising their voices against a war criminal welcomed by a government determined to suppress dissent in the name of social cohesion.”

— Josh Lees, Palestine Action Group (Independent Australia)

“Despite video evidence and witness accounts, NSW Premier Chris Minns and former politicians like Tony Abbott have denied police brutality and praised their conduct.”

— Peter Lalor, Journalist (Independent Australia)

“The scenes in Sydney were shocking and akin to what unfolded in Minneapolis, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) agents used violence to disperse protesters and detain people of colour. Their actions were also excused by the Trump Administration who applauded their behaviour and denied video evidence.”

— James May, Freelance Writer (Independent Australia)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.