A 28-year-old protester faces charges for biting a police officer’s finger during a chaotic rally against Israeli Prime Minister Isaac Herzog’s visit, drawing sharp criticism from a magistrate over bail violations and courtroom attire.
Violent Clash at Sydney Rally
On February 9, thousands of demonstrators clashed with police outside Sydney Town Hall, resulting in injuries and multiple arrests. Jace Turner, 28, allegedly assaulted an officer by biting his thumb with extreme force, causing bleeding and substantial bruising that required hospital treatment.
Viral video footage captures Turner pinned to light rail tracks on George Street. One officer restrains his arm while another punches his head to free his finger from Turner’s mouth. Additional blows target Turner’s ribs, shoulders, and upper back as the officer extracts his thumb.
Police facts presented in court describe Turner resisting directions to disperse, pushing an officer with a slapping motion, and thrashing violently during arrest before clamping down on the officer’s thumb.
Court Hearing and Magistrate’s Remarks
Turner appeared in Sydney court on Tuesday dressed in a suit and wrapped in a keffiyeh scarf, accompanied by a fashion cane that security confiscated. Magistrate Greg Grogin challenged the scarf, stating, “This is not a place for protest, this is not a place for political opinions, this is a place of law … not impressed.”
The magistrate highlighted Turner’s breach of bail conditions from prior offenses, including three counts of common assault, remaining on excluded premises from August last year, and domestic violence assault. By joining the protest, Turner violated his curfew.
Turner’s lawyer requested a bail review to allow attendance at evening Mardi Gras events, but Grogin denied it, noting, “He was governed by two sets of bail … Due to the fact that he was unable to comply with court bail conditions, I am not of the opinion that the curfew should be lifted.” Turner must reside in Sydenham and observe a 6pm curfew.
Represented by the Aboriginal Legal Service, Turner entered a not guilty plea. His case returns to court on April 7, with no appearance required.
Broader Protest Aftermath
The confrontation injured several participants through capsicum spray, knockdowns, and physical handling. An elderly woman suffered a broken back after police knocked her over, and a mother reported her 16-year-old son grabbed by his scarf, thrown down, face pressed to concrete, and handcuffed.
Authorities arrested 27 individuals, charging nine. Russell Zaragoza, 19, faced court Tuesday on two counts of assaulting an officer causing actual bodily harm. Seven others face charges including assault, resisting arrest, offensive behavior, and throwing missiles, with hearings upcoming.
Separately, an 18-year-old faces three assault charges and possession of a knife in public after allegedly shining a torch in an officer’s face at a February 10 rally protesting police actions from the prior day.
