At least 24 protesters arrested following violent clashes with police during a rally against the visit of Israel’s president to Sydney have secured a court hearing, but their cases will not be heard until 2027.
The activists are among 29 people charged after the demonstration held on February 9. They are seeking to have the charges dismissed, arguing that the laws used to ban the protest were later struck down by the NSW Supreme Court in April.
Most of the accused have pleaded not guilty, while a small number have yet to enter pleas.
During a hearing at Downing Centre Local Court, court officials, police representatives and defence lawyers discussed the challenges of managing a case involving such a large number of defendants.
Lawyers for the protesters argued that the cases should be heard together because they share common evidence, including allegations of police misconduct during the protest.
Barrister Felicity Graham said the proceedings would examine whether alleged incidents of police misconduct were isolated events or part of a broader pattern of behaviour.
She indicated that potential witnesses could include NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, other senior police officers, protest organisers, state ministers and members of parliament.
Police Sergeant Adrian Walsh opposed a joint hearing, arguing that it would be difficult to coordinate the attendance of numerous police witnesses over an extended period.
Despite these concerns, the court ruled that the cases would proceed together. The registrar suggested organising witness appearances according to their availability and relevance to the largest number of defendants.
A five-day hearing is scheduled for March 2027 to address issues common to all defendants and determine which matters will require individual consideration. The findings will help shape a six-week summary trial expected to begin in July 2027.
Defence lawyer Nick Hanna said he welcomed the opportunity to question senior police officers and officers involved in the protest, particularly regarding allegations of excessive force.
Meanwhile, an independent investigation is examining claims of police misconduct raised by dozens of demonstrators who attended the rally.
Outside the court, accused protester Sienna Hopper, who faces a charge of assaulting a police officer during the demonstration, told supporters that the alleged misconduct was not an isolated incident but reflected broader concerns about police behaviour.