Through central Sydney, hundreds have marched calling for an end to police brutality and an independent inquiry into claims of excessive force during the recent Mardi Gras.
Following the release of a video depicting an officer throwing a handcuffed 18-year-old, Jamie Jackson, to the ground at the festival, politicians and gay rights advocates have been urging for an independent inquiry into police conduct during Saturday’s Mardi Gras.
A separate video has surfaced showing Mr. Jackson striking out at an officer prior to being subdued.
Bryn Hutchinson, a 32-year-old gay rights activist, has also claimed that police used unreasonable force against him when he crossed a road despite being instructed not to.
Charges for assaulting police have been filed against both Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Jackson.
An internal investigation into these incidents has begun, yet those who attended the rally on Friday night voiced their discontent with the police.
“Constantly abusing people and exploiting their power without facing consequences is what police do,” stated Rami, 24, who chose not to disclose his last name, during the rally.
“It’s illogical to have police investigating themselves … we need an independent and transparent process.”
Rami expressed hope that police will realize they “can’t escape accountability for their actions”.
“If you operate outside your authority and misuse your power, the community will stand up,” he remarked.
Beginning their march in Taylor Square, famous for its rainbow-painted pedestrian crossing celebrating the renowned gay street party, the demonstrators proceeded down Oxford Street chanting “no justice, no peace, stop violent police” before congregating in front of the Surry Hills police station.
The spirited assembly, consisting of around 1000 individuals, accompanied by 40 officers, displayed placards with urgent pleas for police to cease violence and for charges against the officers accused of using excessive force.
Four protesters showcased a banner that read “all cops are bastards” outside the police station, a sight that disappointed local area commander Superintendent Tony Crandell.
“I don’t believe that conveyed a constructive message,” he stated to reporters outside the police station.
“Aside from that, the protesters behaved peacefully, as anticipated.”
In the interest of facilitating a peaceful protest, police accommodated the banner, he mentioned.
Following the rally, a 31-year-old man was charged for offensive language, offensive behavior, and failure to comply with police directions after he yelled insults at officers, according to Supt. Crandell.
He noted that it would be hasty for police to apologize for the treatment of Mr. Jackson and Mr. Hutchinson until they “fully comprehend all the circumstances and context surrounding both incidents.”
Both NSW Police Minister Mike Gallacher and Premier Barry O’Farrell have consistently rejected the necessity for the inquiry to be removed from police oversight, asserting that the investigation will remain independent with ombudsman oversight.
