Video key as man fights Palestine rally assault charge
A man allegedly involved in an ugly clash during a pro-Palestinian rally outside the Opera House will fight an assault charge as his lawyer waits for footage of the incident.
Justen Abdul-Khalek (right), 31, and Marcel Ghabbar (left), 31, leave the Downing Centre Local Court, in Sydney, Wednesday, November 8, 2023. AAP Image/Dean Lewin
Marcel Ghabbar and Justen Abdul-Khalek, both aged 31, and Omar El-Sobihy, 19, faced Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday.
Police allege the trio began arguing with and then assaulted and spat on a 45-year-old man who engaged with them about 7.30pm on October 9.
Officers intervened and the group, including the alleged victim, left the area, according to police.
Omar El-Sobihy, 19, leaves the Downing Centre Local Court, in Sydney, Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
DEAN LEWINS/AAP
El-Sobihy’s lawyer told the court he was seeking to view CCTV footage captured of the alleged attack and entered pleas of not guilty to two counts of assault on his client’s behalf.
The two older men are yet to enter pleas on one count of assault apiece.
Tensions flared during the rally at which hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched from Town Hall to the steps of the Opera House.
The protest was in response to the iconic building’s sails being lit blue in solidarity with Israel following deadly attacks by Hamas.
Small groups of the protesters were heard engaging in anti-Semitic chants and hate slurs, with Police Minister Yasmin Catley later facing criticism for allowing the heated protest to continue.
Ms Catley on Tuesday defended her actions, saying the public should be thankful the demonstration didn’t erupt into violence.
“It’s very important … that there was not one person, not one member of the public injured,” she told a budget estimates hearing.
Internal police emails released to parliament last month revealed senior police held concerns the decision to light the Opera House with the Israeli flag would inflame community tensions.
Premier Chris Minns has since conceded he made a mistake by not acting on warnings the move could lead to a possible escalation.
The matter is due to return to court on December 8.
By: Duncan Murray/AAP
