Text sparked Sydney protest: reports

Police are reportedly searching for the source of a text message that sparked a violent protest in Sydney against an anti-Islam film.

The text message, reading “They have mocked him in pictures and now mocking him in a movie, why are we allowing this”, is believed to have been sent by a computer, News Limited reported on Monday.

Watch more: Ugly scenes in Sydney

It is also understood, Fairfax reported, that police had received some text messages circulating on Friday night, that called for people to “defend the honour of our prophet”.

A police spokesman, however, was unable to confirm the reports.

NSW Police have established Strike Force McAllister to investigate the protest in which violent clashes broke out between hundreds of police and protesters in the CBD on Saturday.

The protesters gathered as part of a global demonstration against an anti-Islamic film, which they say insults the Prophet Mohammed.

Waving banners with slogans such as “Behead all those who insult the Prophet”, the demonstration turned nasty at numerous points during the day, with protesters seen throwing sticks and bottles and police deploying capsicum spray.

Six police and 17 others were injured during the demonstration.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the strike force would be analysing the footage of the protest provided by the media and will prosecute anyone seen to be committing a crime.

The commissioner said he had “no doubt” that social media played a major role in inciting the violence.

So far, six men have been charged with offences including assaulting police and animal cruelty.

Two of the officers who were taken to hospital with head injuries suffered during the melee have been discharged after treatment.

Mr Scipione insisted police were well-prepared for any follow-up protests or “stupid” retaliatory attacks.

You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

Leave a Reply

Powered by WordPress | Designed by: Premium WordPress Themes | Thanks to Themes Gallery, Bromoney and Wordpress Themes