Sheikh who led prayer at Sydney protest says police acted aggressively

Police intervened as a group of men knelt in prayer during a Sydney protest against Israeli president Isaac Herzog, and a coalition of Muslim organisations has called for an independent inquiry and possible prosecutions and the NSW police commissioner's resignation. NSW police and the state premier defended the officers' actions, and the prime minister said police would investigate.

Police action at a Sydney protest has prompted demands for investigation and accountability. Video reportedly showed men kneeling to pray in the forecourt of Sydney Town Hall during a demonstration against Israeli president Isaac Herzog, and officers moved in and removed some people from the group. A coalition of Muslim and legal organisations has called for the NSW police commissioner to resign and for an independent inquiry, while state and federal officials have defended or said they will allow investigations into police conduct. Key developments: - Video footage and accounts describe a group led by Sheikh Wesam Charkawi kneeling in prayer and police intervening to remove some individuals. - The man who led the prayer and several Muslim groups reported that force was used during the intervention and called for accountability. - At least 38 Muslim and legal organisations have demanded the resignation of NSW police commissioner Mal Lanyon and an apology from the state premier. - Commissioner Lanyon defended his officers, the NSW premier said police were managing a difficult situation and keeping groups separate, and the prime minister said police would investigate the matter. Summary: The incident has led to public calls for an independent inquiry and possible criminal accountability for any unlawful actions, and officials have indicated that investigations will take place. Undetermined at this time.