Invasion Day 'flag burner' charged by Sydney police
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Version 0 of 1. A man who allegedly tried to burn an Australian flag at an Invasion Day march in Sydney has been charged by police. The 20-year-old was arrested after a scuffle between protesters and police in the inner suburb of Ultimo on Thursday afternoon. He was charged with assaulting police, malicious damage and resisting arrest, and is due to appear at the Downing centre local court on 14 February. Police say an officer was hospitalised after injuring his ankle during the march, which was organised to protest the date of Australia Day. Several thousand people attended the demonstration, which began in Redfern. A woman was also taken to hospital with a head injury during the protest, which police said was largely peaceful. Another 96 people around Sydney were arrested and charged with a range of offences, including drug possession and assault. “Overwhelmingly, considering the significant crowds enjoying festivities, the vast majority celebrated safely, which made for a family-friendly day for everyone,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Kyle Stewart said. |