Males charged with assaulting Sydney police officer after March for Australia rally

Two males have been charged after a police officer was assaulted throughout a brawl at a resort in Sydney’s CBD, following Sunday’s anti-immigration March for Australia rally.

At about 5:40pm on Sunday, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command have been known as to a resort in Broadway after stories a bunch of individuals on the bar have been yelling offensively at passers-by earlier than a brawl ensued.

Attempts have been made by officers to disperse the group, with police alleging 48-year-old Matthew Ross Pelaez Smith then assaulted a male constable.

When the constable tried to arrest the person, 29-year-old Sean Raics additionally allegedly assaulted the officer, who suffered minor accidents.

Footage from the incident confirmed the second capsicum spray was deployed close to the doorway of the resort bar.

Both males ran from the scene however have been arrested after a brief foot pursuit. 

One bystander, who had an Australian flag in his backpack might be heard saying to officers: “You aren’t Australian” and “you’re all dogs”.

In the footage one other man might be heard saying to an officer: “You’re a tough man … you don’t need to push me … I feel sorry for all of you.”

Mr Raics was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and Mr Smith to Day Street Police Station. 

They have been charged with affray, assaulting police and hindering or resisting an officer.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Two males face court docket

On Monday, Mr Raics confronted native bail court docket.

The court docket was advised a bunch of individuals, who had attended the anti-immigration rally had gathered on the bar after the demonstration.

When police have been known as to interrupt up a brawl, Mr Raics allegedly wielded a pool cue earlier than officers tried to arrest him.

The prosecution alleged he then punched a male constable on the lip and managed to keep away from arrest earlier than operating 300 metres down the street.

The court docket was advised he’s presently serving three group corrections orders for a spread of offences, together with a home violence-related conviction.

Part of his bail circumstances included he doesn’t attend Sydney’s CBD, and one other situation  — which Mr Raics himself requested the Justice of the Peace impose — was to not attend any licensed premises.

He will face court docket once more in September.

The second man, Mr Smith, additionally appeared within the Bail Division on Monday.

A police prosecutor opposed bail, arguing there was a danger of endangering group security and that Mr Smith could commit additional offences, given what she known as a “clear disregard for authority”.

The Justice of the Peace granted Mr Smith bail, noting his alleged behaviour gave the impression to be an “anomaly” primarily based on his prison historical past which confirmed a “significant gap” between 2017 and this 12 months.

Mr Smith will return to court docket on October 22.

His lawyer indicated he would plead not responsible to the costs.

As he left Surry Hills Police Station, Mr Smith advised journalists he was “inside playing pool” on the bar and claimed police got here inside and “aggravated everyone”.

He stated they “dragged” a number of individuals out earlier than they got here again inside and advised him to depart.

Asked whether or not the temper contained in the venue was aggressive, Mr Smith replied: “No, not at all. The police made it aggressive when they came through.”

Police ‘reviewing’ speeches from rally

Police confirmed they have been investigating speeches made throughout the Sydney anti-immigration rally on Sunday.

There have been stories of some attendees making offensive chants in direction of new immigrants and other people of color in Australia.

On Monday, NSW Premier Chris Minns described the rally as “hugely divisive”.

“I want to make it clear having spoken to the police this morning they are investigating — as they would in all circumstances — the speeches that were made on the weekend,” Mr Minns stated.

“We have strong, enforceable hate speech laws in NSW.

“They’re in place as a result of sure, you’ve got go a proper to free speech, however others have gotten a proper to be free from racism and vilification in our fashionable society.

“2025 Australia embraces multiculturalism, it embraces people around the world.”

David Borger, govt director of Business Western Sydney, stated the rallies have been “deeply disturbing”.

“Australia is a country built by people who came here for a better life — and who helped create something even better in return,” Mr Borger stated.

“Migration is not the problem, it is part of the solution. We need migrants to build homes, staff hospitals and GP clinics, support early childhood centres, fill other essential roles and keep our economy strong.”