Australian leaders called for calm on Tuesday after clashes broke out between police and demonstrators in central Sydney during the visit of Isaac Herzog, authorities said.
Police said confrontations occurred near Sydney’s Town Hall on Monday evening as protesters gathered to oppose Herzog’s visit. New South Wales police used pepper spray to disperse the crowd after demonstrators attempted to breach police lines. At least 27 people were arrested, including 10 charged with assaulting police officers, according to police statements.
The protests coincided with Herzog’s official visit to Australia, which includes events marking the victims of a deadly attack at a Jewish gathering in Sydney’s Bondi area in December. Police were granted special public order powers for the visit, allowing officers to control movement, restrict access to certain areas and conduct searches.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said political views should be expressed peacefully and urged restraint. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns defended the police response, saying officers acted to maintain public safety amid large and competing demonstrations.
Authorities said security measures would remain in place for the remainder of Herzog’s visit, with police maintaining a presence at key locations across Sydney.