Full Story Punched, pepper sprayed, charged: police accused of brutality at Sydney protests
Feb 10, 2026
Jordyn Beazley, a Guardian reporter who covered the Sydney protests in person, recounts on-the-ground scenes. She describes police charges into crowds, pepper spray and panic. She highlights viral footage of worshippers being dragged and explains the special policing powers and political fallout. The account focuses on how a peaceful gathering escalated into chaotic clashes.
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Journalist Caught In Sudden Police Charges
- Jordyn Beazley ran as police suddenly sprinted at the crowd and lost a colleague who was pepper-sprayed and pushed against a car.
- Police repeatedly charged the crowd, chasing people into Hyde Park before stopping.
New Laws Gave Police Sweeping Powers
- New powers and anti-protest laws allowed static gatherings but banned marches, giving police expanded move-on and search powers during the declared major event.
- The Palestine Action Group lost a last-minute Supreme Court challenge and police cited those powers as they dispersed the crowd.
Blocked Marches Fueled Anger And Chaos
- Protesters repeatedly said if police had allowed a march it would have stayed peaceful and avoided violence.
- Jordyn observed people were confused about directions and became angry when prevented from marching.