Точка Синхронізації

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns defended the New South Wales Police Force on February 10, 2026, following allegations of excessive force during a demonstration in Sydney against the official visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The Premier addressed the media after several politicians and human rights advocates described the police response as "wildly inappropriate" and "brutal." Protesters had gathered near the site of the diplomatic engagement to voice their opposition to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the presence of the Israeli head of state, leading to a tense standoff that resulted in multiple arrests. Critique of the police operation came swiftly from minor party politicians and witnesses who were present at the scene. They alleged that officers used heavy-handed tactics, including aggressive physical maneuvers and the deployment of pepper spray, to disperse the crowd. According to those critical of the operation, the use of force was disproportionate to the threat posed by the protesters, many of whom were reportedly peaceful before the situation escalated. These witnesses are now calling for an independent inquiry into the conduct of the officers involved, citing concerns over the erosion of civil liberties and the right to protest. In his defense of the authorities, Premier Minns stated that the police were placed in an "impossible situation," tasked with maintaining public safety and securing a high-profile international dignitary under extreme pressure. He emphasized that the primary responsibility of the law enforcement agencies was to ensure that the diplomatic visit proceeded without violence or security breaches. The Premier suggested that while legal protests are a cornerstone of democracy, the police must have the discretion to manage volatile crowds when tensions run high and public order is threatened. The incident has sparked a broader national debate regarding the limits of police power and the state's management of politically sensitive demonstrations. Supporters of the protesters argue that the government is prioritizing diplomatic optics over the safety and rights of its own citizens. Conversely, government officials maintain that the complexity surrounding the visit of a foreign leader in the current global climate necessitates a robust security presence to prevent potential chaos or harm to the public and visiting officials.