Police release images of alleged protest flare thrower investigate ‘unlawful activity’ at rally

Police investigate ‘unlawful activity’ at the now infamous pro-Palestine rally on October 9.

Police have released images and video of a man throwing a flare at Monday's pro-Palestine rally as they investigate "unlawful activity" at the protest, which turned violent.

Police have released video of a man allegedly throwing a flare at last Monday’s pro-Palestine rally as they investigate “unlawful activity” at the large event, which turned violent.

In CCTV footage shared by NSW Police, the man picks up a flare off the ground and appears to throw it towards the Sydney Opera House steps, which are guarded by police.

NSW Police said in a statement they were investigating “unlawful protest activity” and had released the images to appeal for public assistance.

“Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command, Central Metropolitan Region and other specialist commands, responded to protest activity in Sydney’s CBD last Monday, October 9, 2023,” NSW Police said in a statement.

Police have released images and video of a man throwing a flare at Monday's pro-Palestine rally as they investigate "unlawful activity" at the protest, which turned violent.

“Strike Force Mealing has now been established to investigate reported unlawful activity committed during protests across Sydney.

“As inquiries continue, strike force investigators have today released images of a man they wish to speak with as part of their inquiries.”

Police describe the man as of medium to heavy build, with short dark hair and a beard. At the time, he was wearing glasses, a black hooded jacket, grey pants, black shoes, and a black and white scarf.

On October 9, two days after Hamas attacked towns in Israel’s south, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched from Town Hall and towards the Opera House. It was there that flares were thrown and a group of protesters yelled “f..k Israel” and “f..k the Jews” as the Opera House sails were lit in blue and white.

Flares were thrown on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House in Sydney following the recent outbreak of war between Israel and Palestine. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

An Israeli flag was burned on the steps of the Opera House in one of the most concerning scenes from Monday night’s pro-Palestine rally. Separate video footage depicted protesters using what appears to be flares to light up the flag, in the middle of a congregated group.

The organisers, the Palestine Action Group, condemned that small group of protesters and said they were “not welcome in our movement”. They also criticised police for not helping to calm the situation.

A rally on Sunday held by the same group, proved peaceful, as thousands of police lined the streets.