Sydney protests: Thomislav Mijic denied bail

A protester charged with assault has been denied bail, with his lawyer claiming he was actually protecting a police officer during the anti-lockdown rallies.

A protester charged with assault has been denied bail, with his lawyer claiming he was actually protecting a police officer during the anti-lockdown rallies.

Thomislav Mijic, 27, appeared in Liverpool Court on Wednesday via AVL and pleaded not guilty to affray, riot and assaulting police in the execution of duty.

Police will allege in court he assaulted a police officer during the unauthorised protest on Saturday.

Thomislav Mijic in the red hoodie at the Sydney anti-lockdown protest.

Mijic does not deny he was there but he denies assaulting the officer.

His bail application was refused by Magistrate Les Mabutt, who adjourned the case for a mention on September 2 at Central Local Court.

Mijic was arrested by police at his unit on Bathurst St, at about 12.30pm on Tuesday and remained in the cells at Liverpool Police station until his hearing.

His solicitor Elias Tabchouri told The Daily Telegraph the case was “highly unusual”.

“What is highly unusual is they are alleging my client is on one hand attacking the police but there is footage of him actually protecting an officer,” Mr Tabchouri said.

“At this stage my client denies the allegation and ultimately these matters will be adjudicated through the courts. Until then we await the service of all the evidence of my client.”