A 28-year-old man has been accused of biting a police officer shortly before appearing in viral footage that shows him being struck by two officers during a pro-Palestine protest in Sydney.
The protest took place on Monday night in the city’s CBD following the arrival of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Videos circulating online show two NSW Police officers repeatedly hitting a man who was restrained on the tram tracks along George Street near Town Hall, after demonstrators were directed to disperse.
In the footage, one officer positioned near the man’s head appears to strike him twice, while another officer holding his arms behind his back also delivers several blows. The man has been identified as Jace Turner, 28. Authorities allege he bit one of the officers, breaking the skin.
Turner has been charged with assaulting a police officer in the execution of duty causing actual bodily harm. He was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
He is among nine individuals charged following 27 arrests made during the protest. According to a statement from NSW Police, thousands gathered at Town Hall and, after speeches concluded, part of the crowd moved onto George Street indicating plans to march. Police said some protesters attempted to push past officers despite restrictions in place under a Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (PARD).
Officers reportedly issued multiple directions for the crowd to disperse under the Major Events Act. When some participants failed to comply, police moved to clear the area, including individuals who had stopped and were blocking pedestrian access.
All 27 arrested individuals were taken to various police stations across Sydney. Paramedics treated several protesters after OC spray was deployed. Five members of the public were transported to hospital for assessment, while two officers received treatment at the scene.
Police also indicated that six additional people may receive Future Court Attendance Notices for allegedly refusing or failing to comply with police directions. Investigations remain ongoing, with authorities reviewing body-worn camera footage and social media videos from the event.
NSW Premier Chris Minns defended the police response, stating he would not “throw police under the bus.” He acknowledged the footage appeared confronting but argued that officers were managing a complex and rapidly evolving situation.
Minns said police had attempted to negotiate with protest organisers in the days leading up to the event, proposing an alternative location in Hyde Park and a march route along College Street. He also revealed that approximately 7,000 Jewish mourners were attending a separate gathering in the city at the same time, which required significant policing resources.
Authorities maintain that officers were working to balance protest rights with public safety, and investigations into the conduct of both protesters and police are continuing.
