# Court sees video of Sydney protest police clashes

> Footage shown in court reveals police grabbing protesters by the head and neck during a February rally against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit.
- Title: Court sees video of Sydney protest police clashes · Abc
- Summary: Footage shown in court reveals police grabbing protesters by the head and neck during a February rally against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit…
- Keywords: sydney town hall, protest, nsw police, isaac herzog, assault charges, excessive force, court case, news, politics, Court, sees, video
- Source: Abc — https://abc.net.au/news/2026-10-20/nsw-new-cctv-of-police-town-hall-sydney-protest/107285036
- Published: 2026-10-19T21:33:21+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sydney town hall, protest, nsw police, isaac herzog, assault charges, excessive force, court case, news, politics
## Sixteen charged after Town Hall rally
Adam Adelpour and fifteen other protesters face trial on assault charges from a February nine demonstration at Sydney Town Hall against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit.
## Defence shows 32 minutes of footage
Solicitor Nick Hanna played dozens of videos in local court on Friday, compiled into a thirty-two-minute montage, to argue police used unlawful force and excessive tactics.
## Police grab protesters by head and neck
In multiple videos, police could be seen grabbing protesters by the head or neck as they brought them to the ground during the demonstration.
## Officer claims prayer started after dispersal order
Mr Hanna said CCTV showed a police officer made a false statement by claiming worshippers started praying after being told to disperse. Footage showed people already praying beforehand.

> At some point before police start moving, you see that people are already praying.
## Female officer dismisses prayer time
In police body-worn camera footage, a female officer was heard saying, "They've had all day to pray", before officers began to break up the group performing sunset prayer.

> They've had all day to pray
## Defence seeks ministerial communications
The defence team is trying to gain access to communications between senior officers and Premier Chris Minns, Police Minister Yasmin Catley, and Sports Minister Steve Kamper.
## Judge rules in favour of protesters
On Monday, local court Judge Scott Nash ruled the material had a legitimate forensic purpose. Trials are expected to take place in July twenty twenty-seven.
## Key takeaway

Sixteen protesters charged after a February Town Hall demonstration are using court-shown footage to argue police used unlawful force and excessive tactics.