Sydney activist and icon Danny Lim in hospital after police attempted arrest

By ERIN MODARO

An independent review has been started following the attempted arrest of Sydney protesting icon Danny Lim, who can often be seen strolling Sydney’s streets with his colourful signs.

Yesterday at around 11am, 78-year-old Lim was in the QVB on George Street when police attempted to have him removed from the building. During the arrest Lim was thrown to the ground and sustained an injury to his cheek.

BREAKING NEWS:VIDEO VIOLENT NSW POLICE ARREST OF INNOCENT 80 YEAR OLD MAN WEARING BILLBOARD A COURT HAS FOUND LEGAL THE LAST TIME HE WAS WRONGLY ARRESTED FOR IT. CVNT LIKE CENT AND CANT IS NOT AN OFFENSIVE TERM. LAST TIME COURT CRITICISED HEAVY HANDED VIOLENCE NOW IN HOSPITAL. pic.twitter.com/Ovy942m4tx

— chris murphy (@chrismurphys) November 22, 2022

The arrest was ‘discontinued’ police say, and Lim was taken to St Vincents Hospital with a face wound and a black eye.

Lawyer Chris Murphy documented Lim’s wounds in the hospital, saying the 78-year-old’s condition was “serious”.

Right now in hospital: Condition serious Danny Lim after police violence today. Staff in tears. https://t.co/FeXL36PkDk pic.twitter.com/lM71t49Uh7

— chris murphy (@chrismurphys) November 22, 2022

Video footage of the incident shows police attempting to remove Lim from the building, saying “you’re under arrest”, as Lim calls out for help. Lim then falls forwards onto the ground while police continue to try to arrest him.

Not the first time

The event has sparked outrage across Sydney as Lim is a well known activist, who is often seen chatting to others and peacefully brandishing his sandwich board signs.

Lim has previously been fined $500 for a sign that read “Smile cvn’t!, Why Cvn’t?”, however a court deemed that officers’ behaviour during the arrest was unwarranted, and the sign could not be considered offensive.

Lim’s arrest in 2019 caused protests outside of the Sydney City Police Area Command, in which thousands of people attended. Outside the police station, protestors could be seen holding signs such as “More Danny Less Nanny”, and “FVCK THE COPS. DANNY IS TOPS”.

The protest heard speakers who criticised the police’s excessive use of force.

Lim is currently in hospital, with Lawyer Chris Murphy saying via twitter that Lim will be assessed by a neurosurgeon for possible brain bleeding.