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Sheikh who led prayer at Sydney protest against Herzog says police were ‘unhinged and aggressive’
| United Kingdom | world

Sheikh who led prayer at Sydney protest against Herzog says police were ‘unhinged and aggressive’

#Sydney #Isaac Herzog #Police Brutality #Protest #Muslim Community #Wesam Charkawi #Civil Liberties

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Sheikh Wesam Charkawi accused Sydney police of using unhinged and aggressive tactics during a protest.
  • The demonstration was held in opposition to the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia.
  • Muslim advocacy groups are demanding the prosecution of officers who engaged in unlawful conduct.
  • The incident has sparked a broader debate over the protection of the right to peaceful assembly and religious prayer.

📖 Full Retelling

Sheikh Wesam Charkawi and several prominent Australian Muslim advocacy groups formally denounced the conduct of the New South Wales Police during a protest against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Sydney on February 10, 2026, alleging that officers utilized 'unhinged and aggressive' tactics against peaceful demonstrators. The confrontation occurred as hundreds gathered near the protest site to express their opposition to Herzog's diplomatic presence in Australia, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Sheikh Charkawi, who led a public prayer during the event, claimed that the law enforcement response was disproportionate and unnecessarily escalated tensions within the community. Following the dispersal of the demonstration, represententative bodies including the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network and various civil rights groups called for an independent investigation into the police operation. They asserted that any officers found to have acted unlawfully or used excessive force should face immediate prosecution. Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulated on social media showed chaotic scenes, with several protesters being detained or forcibly moved by riot squad members. The religious leaders emphasized that the right to peaceful assembly and religious observance, specifically the congregational prayer, was obstructed by the tactical maneuvers of the police. In response to the growing backlash, police command structures maintained that the measures taken were necessary to ensure public safety and manage a high-security diplomatic visit. However, the incident has reignited a fierce debate over the policing of political dissent in New South Wales and the perceived targeting of the Muslim community during international crises. Legal experts and human rights advocates are now urging the state government to review body-worn camera footage to determine whether the use of force aligned with standard operating procedures or if it constituted a breach of civil liberties.

🏷️ Themes

Human Rights, Law Enforcement, Diplomacy

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Sydney

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📄 Original Source Content
<p>Any officers who acted unlawfully should face prosecution for actions, Muslim groups say</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/feb/10/sydney-protest-isaac-herzog-arrests-police-violence-question-time-libspill-liberals-leadership-challenge-sussan-ley-angus-taylor-senate-estimates-question-time-anthony-albanese-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>

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