During a protest in Sydney against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit, several Muslim men were kneeling in prayer outside Sydney Town Hall when NSW police moved in and forcibly removed them. Video footage showed officers grabbing and dragging some of the men as they continued praying. Witnesses and organisers described the protest as peaceful and stated that the worshippers were not blocking roads or disobeying police directions.

According to reporting by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the individuals involved had been granted clearance to pray by a senior police officer prior to the incident.

Muslim Australians are an integral and valued part of Australian society, contributing richly to our nation’s cultural, social, and civic life.

In light of these events, the NSW Premier should offer a formal apology for the actions of police officers whose conduct has been widely perceived as aggressive and lacking sensitivity to the cultural and religious practices of the Muslim community.

Such an apology would be an important step toward rebuilding trust, demonstrating accountability, and strengthening social cohesion through mutual understanding and respect.