Why protests are getting more dangerous

On Monday, about 6,000 people attended a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney.

The event began peacefully – but videos later emerged, showing protesters being pepper-sprayed, beaten, and arrested by police.

Police say some demonstrators wanted to march to NSW Parliament despite a restriction making it unlawful – and that when orders to disperse were ignored, they had to move the crowd on.

Twenty-seven protesters were arrested.

There have been a number of incidents in recent years where police have been accused of using excessive force against protesters. It comes as officers increasingly use weapons like pepper spray and rubber bullets.

Today, journalist and author Ariel Bogle on the use of these so-called “non-lethal” weapons, and how they’re changing protests in Australia.

This episode was first published in October 2025.

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Guest: Journalist and author Ariel Bogle

Photo: AAP Image/Flavio Brancaleone

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