A police operation was launched in Sydney in the early hours of Sunday morning to evict the Occupy protest that had been taking place in Martin Place, in the city centre, since October 15. The state attack followed the violent dismantling of the occupation in Melbourne’s City Square on Friday, and large police mobilisations in both cities on Saturday to intimidate the protests against social inequality and corporate power.

In Sydney on Saturday, close to 1,000 people rallied in Martin Place in support of the Occupy movement. The police presence was markedly increased, hinting at the preparations underway to attack the occupation, as had taken place the day before in Melbourne.

Up to 100 people were occupying Martin Place when several hundred police descended upon the site at approximately 4.45 a.m. on Sunday. The majority of protesters had just woken up when they were instructed they had 10 minutes to leave. Police, including from the Riot Squad and other specialised units, were deployed to physically drag out people who refused. As many as 40 were arrested and at least nine were charged and will have to appear before court. Protesters suffered a range of minor injuries as a result of police brutality.