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The NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, intervened in September to have the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission’s hearings on the February 9 protest held privately and not livestreamed. The watchdog rejected the request, delaying the start of public examinations to October 19.
What happened
- 9 Feb 2026
Police clashed with anti‑Herzog protesters in Sydney, injuring demonstrators and officers; video showed force used on worshippers and older protesters [1]
- 9 Sep 2026
Commissioner Lanyon first raised objections to public and livestreamed hearings, less than two weeks before hearings were due to start [1][2]
- 15 Sep 2026
LECC announced procedural issues would postpone the Operation Makalu hearings [2]
- 19 Oct 2026
LECC confirmed the inquiry will open with a public address and then hold private examinations before senior officers appear publicly [3]
What you need to know
The inquiry, called Operation Makalu, will combine private and public sessions.
Around 800 complaints were lodged after the February protest.
Thirty people were charged; four charges have been dropped.
The public opening address is scheduled for 19 October, with senior officers’ public testimony to follow.
It is not yet clear when the public hearings of senior commissioned officers will be scheduled after the private phase.
Background
In February 2026, a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog at Sydney Town Hall turned violent, with police using pepper spray, force, and allegedly assaulting Muslim worshippers. Video footage of the incident spread widely online.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission launched an investigation (Operation Makalu) after the protest, citing more than 800 complaints of police misconduct. The commission planned mixed public and private hearings to examine the evidence.
Commissioner Mal Lanyon’s September intervention sought to keep the hearings private and un‑livestreamed, arguing the LECC lacked authority for public examinations. The watchdog deemed the timing “regrettable” and proceeded with a public opening, delaying the schedule.
Questions people ask
Why did the police commissioner want the hearings private?
Lanyon argued the LECC Act does not give it power to hold open submissions and that private hearings would avoid disruption and cost, despite public concern over the protest footage.
Will the public be able to watch the hearings?
The LECC will livestream the opening address on 19 October and later public examinations of senior officers, while operational officers’ testimony will be heard privately.
What allegations are being investigated?
The inquiry examines claims of unnecessary police brutality, including pepper‑spraying, punching protesters, and interfering with Muslim prayers during the February demonstration.
Where this came from
[1] theguardian.com
NSW police commissioner made last-minute bid to hold closed-door hearings into Sydney anti-Herzog protest
Preview image from theguardian.com
[2] smh.com.au
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon moved to block public watchdog hearings into police violence
Preview image from smh.com.au
[3] canberratimes.com.au
Police bid to hide ugly protest probe rejected
Preview image from canberratimes.com.au
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