The Redfern Legal Centre (RLC) said on April 9 that NSW Police’s dramatic early morning raids on people’s homes are undermining the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission’s (LECC) investigation into their conduct at the protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit on February 9.
RLC said the investigation by the NSW police watchdog into police conduct is being “undermined by disproportionate and intimidating police arrests”.
NSW police have arrested 26 after the February 9 protest in highly publicised early morning raids. Twenty-seven people were arrested on February 9, but only nine were charged. A further 14 people have since been charged for various offences, including failing to comply with move-on orders in accordance with the major events act.
NSW Police charged a 42-year-old man on March 27, smashing down his door to gain entry. Two women were arrested on March 25 and charged with resisting arrest. One person was charged with being in possession of cannabis, while another was charged with offensive behaviour within a major event area.
RLC said the police actions are having a chilling effect on people who might otherwise provide evidence of police misconduct to the LECC.
The LECC launched its investigation into the police’s alleged misconduct on February 17. NSW Police also established its Strike Force Laine to investigate people who had participated in the protest.
Samantha Lee, assistant principal solicitor at the RLC, said on April 9 that its clients are fearful about taking part in the ongoing LECC investigation because of the police actions.
“These very public arrests by NSW Police are being used as a deterrent and a demonstration of state power,” Lee said, adding that “this disproportionate use of police power is designed to punish, intimidate and discourage members of the community from coming forward to the commission about their experiences at the protest”.
“This investigation into alleged misconduct by NSW Police must be allowed to proceed without obstruction or intimidation,” Lee said. “Any conduct that undermines public confidence or interferes with the LECC’s work should be urgently stopped and independently investigated.”
“This investigation into alleged misconduct by NSW Police must be allowed to proceed without obstruction or intimidation,” Lee said. “Any conduct that undermines public confidence or interferes with the LECC’s work should be urgently stopped and independently investigated.”