{
  "id": 15487364,
  "title": "What to expect from police watchdog hearings into Herzog protest",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/what-to-expect-from-police-watchdog-hearings-into-herzog-protest",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T20:22:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-19/lecc-town-hall-protest-public-examinations-nsw-police/107261744"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The state's police watchdog, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), will commence rare public hearings into the actions of New South Wales Police during a protest in February against Israel President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney. The LECC has received more than 800 public complaints, with 556 directed at the commission and 267 to NSW Police. The investigation, named Operation Makalu, is examining alleged misconduct by police officers responding to the protest at Town Hall. The hearings, delayed due to procedural issues, will begin on Monday with private examinations over five weeks. These will include an address from a counsel assisting the inquiry, followed by the closure to the public. After a five-week block of private hearings, the commission will hold open hearings with evidence from senior commissioned officers. The NSW Police Force has acknowledged the decision to hold private hearings, citing concerns about officer mental health, community relations, and social cohesion. The commission must deliver a final report to parliament after the hearings, though no specific date has been set.",
  "summary": "The Town Hall protest against Israel President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney generated hundreds of complaints about police misconduct. Now the watchdog will examine the actions of officers.",
  "key_points": [
    "LECC to hold rare public hearings into police conduct during Herzog protest.",
    "Over 800 complaints received, 556 against commission, 267 against NSW Police.",
    "Hearings delayed due to procedural issues, begin Monday with private sessions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}