The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (Lecc) in Sydney has officially launched an inquiry into the policing of a February demonstration held at Sydney Town Hall. The protest, which took place during a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, became the subject of scrutiny following widespread public allegations of police brutality.

In its opening statements, the commission noted that there is currently “limited evidence” of physical violence committed by the protesters, characterizing the group as “largely peaceful.” The inquiry is tasked with investigating several specific concerns regarding police tactics during the event. Among the primary areas of focus are the use of OC spray (pepper spray) against demonstrators and reports of officers allegedly boasting about the use of “gratuitous force” during the dispersal of the crowd.

The inquiry was prompted by viral video footage and public complaints that surfaced in the aftermath of the rally. While the commission is currently reviewing the conduct of law enforcement, the investigation remains in its early stages. The proceedings aim to determine whether police actions were proportionate to the situation or if they violated established protocols for managing public demonstrations. As the inquiry continues, the commission is expected to examine further evidence to clarify the sequence of events that led to the confrontations between protesters and police.