Pro-Palestine Protester lost his Vision in Sydney Police Clash

A pro-Palestine protest in Sydney has taken a tragic turn, after a Pro-Palestine Protester lost his Vision in Sydney Police Clash. This incident, which occurred during a large-scale rally on June 25, 2025, has prompted human rights lawyers to prepare a lawsuit against the New South Wales Police Force. The lawsuit alleges excessive use of force and violation of civil liberties. The case has sparked a nationwide debate over protest policing, freedom of expression, and the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists in Australia.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District to protest the escalating violence in Gaza and recent Israeli airstrikes. The peaceful demonstration quickly turned violent when officers attempted to disperse the crowds using riot control tactics, including pepper spray and rubber bullets.

Palestinian Families Rally in London Demanding Immediate Gaza Ceasefire.

Lawyers Prepare Lawsuit Over Sydney Police Brutality

Legal representatives for the injured protester, identified only as a 22-year-old man named “Amir,” have confirmed that they are filing a lawsuit against the New South Wales Police Force. As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, Amir sustained permanent vision loss in his right eye after being struck by a rubber projectile while attempting to leave the protest area.

Emma Farrell, a civil rights attorney representing Amir’s family, emphasized that this incident is not merely about a young man losing his sight. Instead, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the fundamental right to protest without fear of police violence. Farrell stated that they are diligently pursuing legal action to hold the NSW Police accountable and ensure that such incidents never occur again.

Human Rights Groups Condemn Use of Force on Pro-Palestine Protesters

Prominent organizations, such as Human Rights Watch Australia and Amnesty International, have strongly condemned the police response as excessive and potentially hazardous. Amnesty International specifically highlighted that non-lethal weapons can still cause severe injuries and should not be employed against peaceful demonstrators exercising their constitutional right to assembly.

Sarah Malik, a spokesperson for Amnesty, expressed concern about the recent incident, stating that it is part of a troubling trend of harsh police crackdowns on pro-Palestine protests not only in Australia but also across the Western world. Malik emphasized that this trend reflects a larger issue of the securitization of dissent when it involves Palestinian rights.

The New South Wales Police have confirmed that an internal investigation is underway. However, they declined to provide further details due to pending legal proceedings.

Surge in Pro-Palestinian Rallies Across Australia

Amidst a surge of pro-Palestinian protests across Australia, including large rallies in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, an incident occurred in Sydney. The protesters are demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to Israeli military actions, and stronger diplomatic efforts from the Australian government.

Several protest organizers, including the Palestine Justice Movement Sydney, stressed that the demonstration remained peaceful until police intervened. Lead organizer Lina Qassem explained that they had coordinated with local authorities, but their response was militarized. This led to fear among the participants, who had intended to peacefully advocate for justice and human rights.

Legal Precedent and Public Reaction

Legal experts believe that this case could establish a significant precedent for how police respond to future protests in Australia. If the lawsuit is successful, it may pave the way for other victims of protest-related police violence to seek justice.

Thousands of people have responded swiftly and passionately to the situation. They have taken to social media using hashtags like #JusticeForAmir, #SydneyProtest, and #FreePalestineAustralia to call for accountability, police reform, and greater protections for activists.

A petition demanding an independent inquiry into the Sydney protest response has already gathered over 100,000 signatures.

Government Response and Broader Implications

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to issue a formal statement on the incident but has previously emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and civil discourse. Opposition leaders, however, have criticized the government’s silence, arguing that failing to condemn excessive police force could embolden future abuses.

As the lawsuit progresses, it will undoubtedly attract more scrutiny towards the Australian government’s stance on Middle East policy, freedom of speech, and law enforcement accountability.

Conclusion

The loss of vision suffered by a Pro-Palestine protester in Sydney has become a poignant symbol of the erosion of civil liberties and the criminalization of political expression. Lawyers are now preparing a lawsuit to challenge the boundaries of police power, and this case is poised to highlight the urgent need for well-defined, rights-based guidelines for managing public demonstrations.

This legal battle could be a pivotal moment for protest rights in Australia, serving as a stark reminder that freedom of expression must be safeguarded, even amidst geopolitical crises.