Shocking NSW Police violence against Muslims praying

I am closely monitoring a horrific situation in Sydney tonight, where police appear to use excessive and unprovoked force against Muslims peacefully praying.

I understand that NSW Police issued a move-on order to people in the street. A separate group broke away from protestors to pray in Town Hall Square—not on a road or footpath, not obstructing access, and therefore not subject to a move-on order.

This group were praying calmly and quietly.

Despite this, multiple eyewitnesses I spoke to describe the use of unprovoked violence and aggression, including officers allegedly punching and grabbing people during prayer, throwing them onto the concrete, and using pepper spray.

This behaviour was unprovoked and unacceptable. This has to be condemned unequivocally.

There cannot be any justification for this demeaning, aggressive and humiliating behaviour.

I will be calling the NSW Premier and Police Commissioner expecting nothing short of a public apology and clear accountability for what occurred.

This indeed is a very dark night.

We expect much more from our police force, who are entrusted with our safety and care.

Aftab Malik 
Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia