Social justice legal centre, the Justice and Equity Centre, welcomes news that the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission will investigate police operations at Monday night’s protest in Sydney, including incidents of alleged misconduct by NSW Police officers.
The police oversight body says it has received a significant number of complaints and an investigation is in the public interest.
Comments attributable to Justice and Equity Centre Principal Solicitor Jonathan Hall Spence:
‘The scenes of police violence against protestors that have surfaced from Monday night’s protest in Sydney have been disturbing.’
‘We joined calls for an independent review into whether police actions were lawful and justified, and we’re pleased the police watchdog has announced this investigation.’
‘A violent arrest or confrontation with police can be frightening, traumatic and painful.’
‘NSW Police are not above the law. There must be accountability for any overstep of police powers, just as there is for people who committed violence against police.’
‘We urge members of the community with videos or other evidence of police actions at the protest to send it through to the LECC to be part of this investigation.’
‘We urge the NSW Government to recognise that peaceful protest is critical to democracy. Statements criticising and seeking to de-legitimise people who protest set a tone of hostility that is at best unhelpful and at worst dangerous.’
Media contact: JEC Media and Communications Manager Dan Buhagiar, 0478 739 280
