The recent footage of Muslims praying in the city during the protest against the appalling visit of the Israeli President, being heavy-handedly pushed and forcibly moved by police while in prayer, is shocking, deeply disturbing, and entirely unacceptable.
Police are entrusted to protect the community, uphold public safety, and de-escalate tensions, not to interfere with religious worship or inflame an already sensitive situation.
ANIC is outraged by this footage and has raised urgent and serious concerns directly with the NSW Police Commissioner and relevant ministers. The NSW Government and Premier Chris Minns must take responsibility for this conduct and ensure accountability at the highest levels.
This treatment of worshippers is unacceptable in any circumstances. It undermines community trust, offends fundamental freedoms, and must be immediately investigated, rectified, and prevented from recurring.
