James Ricketson, an Australian journalist and filmmaker, alleges he sustained “bloody injuries” and had his glasses shattered during his arrest at a protest in Sydney.
In a Facebook post, the 76-year-old detailed, “I was taken into custody yesterday outside Sydney Town Hall.” He described the aftermath, saying, “Today, I can barely walk, and my right kidney is in severe pain from being punched.”
Ricketson recounted that he was initially informed he was being arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer. He was detained in a cell for five hours without access to water or medical care before being released without any charges.
He is not among the nine individuals charged by police following the protest.
Meanwhile, Minns supported the police’s approach, describing it as “proportionate” in response to the disorderly and riot-like conditions faced by the officers.
Minns has defended the police response to the chaotic scenes, saying it was “proportionate” and that officers faced a riot-like scenario.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said his officers showed “remarkable restraint” in responding to the rally.
