A member of the Labor party who criticized the conduct of New South Wales police officers towards pro-Palestinian demonstrators has been dismissed from his position as parliamentary secretary by Premier Chris Minns.
Minns rebuked the remarks made by MP Anthony D’Adam, stating that D’Adam had not raised his concerns about Police Commissioner Karen Webb and her officers before his speech in parliament.
D’Adam, who served as the parliamentary secretary for youth justice, accused the police of using “fear and intimidation” on protesters arrested during a ‘die-in’ event in Sydney CBD in March.
He emphasized the need to distinguish between real violence and symbolic actions, condemning the police for their response.
D’Adam, who was present at the event, asserted that they would not be intimidated while trying to prevent a genocide.
He criticized the use of force against peaceful protesters, stating that it undermines the trust and respect essential for law enforcement.
Furthermore, he accused the police of contradicting the commissioner’s defense of their actions.
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Minns distanced himself from D’Adam’s speech, stating that being a police officer is more challenging than delivering a late-night address in parliament.
He condemned D’Adam’s comments as reprehensible and requested him to retract them before dismissing him from his role.
Minns revealed that D’Adam had not raised his concerns with him or other relevant authorities before his parliamentary speech.
He deemed D’Adam’s actions and criticisms of the police incompatible with his position as parliamentary secretary.
D’Adam expressed concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in NSW and Australia, particularly regarding free speech and peaceful protest.
He maintained that the police response to the protest he witnessed was overly aggressive and unwarranted.
Despite his disappointment, D’Adam stated that he harbored no ill will towards the premier.
2024-05-16 02:17:46
Link from www.theguardian.com
