CCTV Released As 3 Men Charged Over Opera House Protest Crime While NSW Police Continue To Look For 4th

In a public assistance appeal, New South Wales (NSW) Police has released Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) images from the Sydney Opera House.

With inquiries still continuing, the images are of a man of medium to heavy build with short dark hair and beard & at the time, he was wearing spectacles, a black hooded jacket, grey pants, black shoes and a black and white scarf.

NSW Police wish to speak with this man as part of their inquiries:

The man featured in the images above is not involved with the alleged assault detailed below but with separate Police inquires.

On the 17th of October, NSW Police reported they are investigating an alleged assault that occurred at the Sydney Opera House when the Israeli flag colours were illuminated on the World Heritage Site’s sails on the 9th of October at 7:30pm. A pro-Arab protest at the time had already gathered on the site’s Southern Forecourt.

At that time, a 45-year-old man allegedly became involved in an argument with a male group. The man during the alleged argument was then allegedly assaulted and spat on. Police intervened & the arguers then dispersed and left the Sydney Opera House.

The 45-year-old man then reported the alleged assault to Maroubra Police. The next day, Operation Mealing investigators were notified & commenced an investigation. NSW Police later released, on the 17th of October, CCTV images of 5 people, 4 male & 1 female, they believe would be able to assist with the investigation into the alleged assault. All the men were described as being of “Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance” and wearing a white and blue keffiyeh.

The 1st man was described as being of aged in his 20s, of solid build & having tattoos on both legs. He was wearing black sunglasses, a white shirt, black shorts, long black socks & black shoes.

The 2nd man was described as aged in his 20s, of a medium build, had a moustache & was wearing a white shirt with both Aboriginal and Palestinian flags printed on it, black pants as well as black and white Vans.

The 3rd man was described as aged in his early 20s, of a tall build, with medium-length curly black hair and having a stubbly goatee & was wearing a white shirt.

The 4th man was described as aged in his 20s, of a medium build, with short black hair and had a black beard & was wearing a black tracksuit and white shoes.

The woman was described as Caucasian appearance with long blonde hair & was wearing a black hoodie featuring a red and yellow print, black leggings, long white socks and pink shoes.

2 31-year-old men then attended Mosman Police Station where they were arrested & at 11pm on 17th of October, were taken to Day Street Police Station. They were later charged with common assault & granted “strict conditional bail” to face Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 8th of November 2023.

Following more inquiries, NSW Police then arrested a 19-year-old man in Roselands on the 18th of October, who was taken to Hurstville Police Station & was charged with 2 counts of common assault and granted “conditional bail” to also appear at the same Court on the same day as the other 2 men charged.

Inquiries into the alleged assault are continuing.

Anyone with further information that may assist Operation Mealing investigators is urged to contact Sydney City Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.