25 Anti-Isaac Herzog Protesters to Face Joint Trial in Sydney
A Sydney court has approved a joint trial for 25 protesters charged after demonstrations against the Israeli president's visit. The six-week trial is scheduled for July 2027.
On June 11, 2026, the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney granted an application for a joint trial for 25 individuals charged in connection with protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia. The defense lawyers successfully argued that the cases share common legal issues.
A week-long pre-trial hearing has been set for March 8, 2027, followed by a six-week trial starting July 19, 2027. Defense lawyer Felicity Graham told the court that Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon is expected to be the first witness. The court heard that Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Dunstan and Greens MPs Sue Higginson and Jenny Leong may also be called, along with other ministers and members of parliament.
Thirty people were charged after protesting Herzog's visit at Sydney Town Hall in February, with police dropping charges against one protester last month. The police response during the protest is under investigation by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission over allegations of brutality.
The charges include assaulting police, resisting arrest, and failing to comply with move-on directions. Police opposed the joint trial, arguing it would create significant witness issues since some witnesses are common to all 25 cases, while many others relate to individual matters.
Defense lawyers contend that police acted unlawfully because the protest was authorized. Protesters had submitted a formal notice of intention to hold a public assembly, but police deemed it unauthorized under a law passed after the Bondi terror attack that banned protest marches in certain areas. That law was struck down in April 2026 by the Court of Appeal as unconstitutional. Graham argued the ruling means the protest was authorized and police prevented protesters from exercising their rights.
There is also a planned challenge to the validity of a major event declaration used by police, which expanded their powers during Herzog's visit. Such declarations are typically used for sporting or cultural events.
