Police have defended the use of pepper spray during ugly scenes between officers and protesters following yesterday’s Black Lives Matter rally in Sydney.
Key points:
- Aggressive scenes broke out at Central Station following the Black Lives Matter Rally
- Police said otherwise the event was “largely peaceful”
- Acting NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said pepper spray was used to curb any violence
Footage emerged last night of tension between police and rallygoers as the authorities were attempting to herd people through Central Station about 6: 10pm.
The protests were mostly peaceful and organisers said police were looking for a justification to criticise the march.
Police used pepper spray on at least five people, who were all treated at the scene.
A 21-year-old man from Mt Druitt was arrested and charged with offensive behaviour and resisting police.
Acting NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon alleged there were a number of people acting “aggressively and inciting police” and the incident was under investigation.
“Police attempted to quell the situation and move those persons on. One of the males chose to act aggressively towards police at which time he was placed under arrest,” he said.
“Subsequent to that arre