"I decline in its aftermath to engage in the standard political rhetoric; fawning praise for police and strident condemnation of protesters. I have a lot of respect for the work police do and how tough it is. I also have a lot of respect for people who peacefully engage in the political process by protesting. Most people in both groups are decent and good, but not perfect, and all people deserve the benefit of the doubt."
"Many community members however will understandably immediately form a view, take sides and inevitably emphasise the wrongdoing by the side they don't politically favour. I must confess that what I saw last night, as I proudly protested along with hundreds of Labor party members, looked like instances of excessive force by police as well as some assaults on police. This is not an attempt at finding a sensible centre, nor an effort to achieve some kind of political compromise."
NSW police, accountability agencies and criminal courts will examine the Town Hall riot as charges against protesters and possibly police are processed. The event involved clashes between police and protesters during an incendiary state visit, producing instances interpreted as excessive police force and some assaults on police. Many people in both groups acted peacefully; most participants were decent though imperfect. Objectivity in assessing conduct and preserving the right to protest are important. Operational policing decisions, the legal framework, and protesters' desire to march to state parliament contributed to an almost inevitable conflict. Accurate legal and operational review is now the priority.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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