Why protests are getting more dangerous

<p>On Monday, about 6,000 people attended a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney.</p> <p>The event began peacefully &ndash; but videos later emerged, showing protesters being pepper-sprayed, beaten, and arrested by police.</p> <p>Police say some demonstrators wanted to march to NSW Parliament despite a restriction making it unlawful &ndash; and that when orders to disperse were ignored, they had to move the crowd on.</p> <p>Twenty-seven protesters were arrested.</p> <p>There have been a number of incidents in recent years where police have been accused of using excessive force against protesters. It comes as officers increasingly use weapons like pepper spray and rubber bullets.</p> <p>Today, journalist and author Ariel Bogle on the use of these so-called &ldquo;non-lethal&rdquo; weapons, and how they&rsquo;re changing protests in Australia.</p> <p>This episode was first published in October 2025.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you enjoy <em>7am</em>, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Socials:</strong><strong> </strong>Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a></p> <p><strong>Guest:</strong> Journalist and author Ariel Bogle</p> <p><strong>Photo:&nbsp;</strong>AAP Image/Flavio Brancaleone</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>