Footage Of An Indigenous Teen Being Slammed To The Ground By NSW Police Has Gone Viral
The 17-year-old was later taken to hospital.
Footage of an Aboriginal teenager being violently arrested in Sydney is going viral, with the video showing a police officer sweeping the feet out from under a 17-year-old boy who was standing calmly with his hands behind his back.
It’s since been confirmed by police that the teenager had to be taken to hospital after the incident, which happened in Surry Hills’ Ward Park yesterday.
Watching a trained adult knock a teenager face first into the cement would be shocking regardless. Against the backdrop of the ongoing US protests against police brutality and racial injustice, the unnecessary force seems even more unreasonable.
Today in Sydney Australia. A 16 year old Aboriginal boy slammed to the ground. pic.twitter.com/USPu5B2Pli
— Ashlee Donohue (@MissAshlee__) June 1, 2020
The video begins during a verbal argument between police and a group of teenagers in Ward Park, Surry Hills — including the 17-year-old teenager who was later attacked.
The start of the disagreement was not caught on video, but references are made to people swearing.
“I didn’t say that at all mate, you need to open up your ears,” a police officer said.
“What? I heard you from over here, I don’t need to open up my ears,” he replied off camera.
“I did not say that,” the officer responded.
“Crack you across the jaw bro.”
After the police officer orders the teen to turn around, he kicks his legs out from underneath him — causing him to fall heavily to the ground and land on his front.
Violence against children is never ok. This is a serious criminal offence. This guy should lose his job. He lost his cool because of a comment. How unprofessional. What this boy has done is irrelevant. The officer has a duty of care, particularly to children. Absolute disgrace.
— Prometheus Unbound (@PrometheanFire7) June 1, 2020
Agree. The kid was complying, he turned around & was being cuffed. Absolutely unnecessary to sweep his legs from under him, especially when his hands were restrained & unable to break his fall.
— Peter Fox 🎀🦊🇦🇺😷🏚 (@Peter_Fox59) June 1, 2020
A 16yr vs an educated and trained adult cop. Either something is wrong with the cop or the whole culture of policing
— Don’t get ’em (@in_a_knot) June 1, 2020
What a brave move by the police. Hold the boy’s hands behind his back and then kick his legs out from under him so that he lands on his face.
Do they teach that at the academy?— IrmaGherd (Retired Nurse Thug) (@maureenchuck1) June 1, 2020
@abcnews @sunriseon7
This how police treat our young black people. You are happy to point out the failures of the USA on race. How about running this to show how badly we are failing as country in this space as well. @nswpolice Will you be charging the officer with assault?— DosVaper (@DosVaper) June 2, 2020
While the death of George Floyd has caused widespread anger across Australia, it’s been pointed out that our own Indigenous communities have also spent years fighting for justice over the hundreds of Aboriginal people who have died in custody here.
This afternoon NSW Police released a statement to confirm the constable involved has been placed on restricted duties while a review is carried out.
“It’s alleged a 17-year-old boy from the group threatened an officer, before being arrested and taken to Surry Hills Police Station. He was subsequently taken to St Vincent’s Hospital for observation before being released into the custody of family pending further inquiries,” they said.
“An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest is now underway by officers attached to the Professional Standards Command. The constable involved has been placed on restricted duties while this review is carried out.
“Senior officers have met with the community and local elders and will keep them appraised throughout the process.”
Junkee has also reached out to the family of the teenager for more information.