Raimond Kelly: Clashes, arrest at whip cracker’s court date
Emotions have erupted outside Newtown Courthouse where a man charged with cracking a whip at the Chinese embassy is due to appear. Police have arrested one man after two groups of protesters had to be separated.
Inner West
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One man has been arrested after clashes outside Newtown Local Court this morning where a northern beaches man charged with cracking a whip outside the Chinese embassy is due to appear.
Protesters in support of the man this morning were seen shouting outside the court holding flags and signs baring anti-Chinese government sentiment.
“Hey China, you owe the world an apology” one placard read.
Their protest was a lawful assembly, according to police.
Dee Why man Raimond Kelly was charged earlier this year with stalking and being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence over the incident.
Emotions then ran high after a group of counter protesters made their way to the courthouse in opposition of the anti-Chinese Government rally.
Police arrested one of the counter protesters for offensive behaviour when the two opposing groups clashed and had to be separated by officers.
“I thought they meant he cracked a nang and I thought what a legend but apparently it was an actual whip.” witness Rob Carroll said.
Protesters had previously turned up to an earlier court date of Kelly’s at the Manly Local Court on July 1.
Kelly, a former music promoter, allegedly told police he was at the consulate at 10.30am to protest against the Chinese Government’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
Police allege he cracked the whip a number of times while hurling abuse towards the consulate building where a number of people were queuing to go inside.
Kelly has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
“People have a right to protest and express their views so long as it is done safely,” Inner West police commander Superintendent Sam Crisafulli said of the incident this morning.
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