An independent inquiry into allegations of police brutality at the Sydney protest against Isaac Herzog’s visit will examine “incidents of alleged misconduct on the part of officers”.

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (Lecc) said on Friday it would examine the police response after receiving “a significant number of complaints”.

“The commission has decided that it is in the public interest to investigate the police operation at Sydney town hall and surrounds on the evening of Monday 9 February 2026, including incidents of alleged misconduct on the part of NSW police officers against persons attending that location for a protest,” the Lecc said in a statement.

“The commission will obtain and review all available material, including video and phone footage, documents, records and other information, including that held by the NSW police force.”

The watchdog said it would conduct hearings as part of the investigative process and provide a “public report” to the NSW parliament concerning the investigation.

The NSW premier, Chris Minns, has backed the actions of police, despite a growing chorus of criticism. He has rejected calls for an independent inquiry.

Minns on Tuesday also rejected suggestions that his own anti-protest restrictions had created what he deemed to be an “impossible situation” for police dealing with thousands of protesters.

Rally organisers, Labor backbenchers and Green MPs accused the premier and police of creating an “unsafe situation” for attendees.

Police pepper sprayed protesters and Guardian Australia saw officers on multiple occasions confining protesters to an area in a controversial tactic known as kettling.

Videos from the rally showed officers repeatedly punching some protesters and dragging Muslims who were praying.

The police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, has apologised only “for any offence that may have been taken” after police dragged away people praying outside town hall.

The sheikh leading the prayer has described the police behaviour as “unhinged and aggressive”.