The use of pepper spray and other 'less-lethal' police weapons at protests has sparked concern among rights groups, with a recent incident involving photographer Xavier Diekman highlighting the dangers. Diekman, who was pepper sprayed at close range during a protest, describes the experience as painful and distressing, with symptoms lasting for over an hour. This incident, along with others, has led to calls for a review of police weapons and tactics, particularly the use of pepper spray, which is considered a chemical irritant. Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have raised concerns about the excessive use of force and the potential for permanent disability caused by these weapons. The Australian Democracy Network (ADN) has also noted a significant increase in pepper spray use at protests, with at least five incidents of direct deployment into protesters' faces, contrary to guidelines. This has resulted in injuries to young people and the elderly, as well as legal observers, who have been targeted by police weapons. The use of 'sonic weapons', such as LRADs, has also been a point of contention, with concerns about their potential to cause harm and produce fear. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has announced an investigation into the violent clashes between police and demonstrators at Sydney's Town Hall, further highlighting the need for a comprehensive review of police tactics and the use of less-lethal weapons.
