Police officers charged with assault over Taser and knee strikes on Indigenous man

Two police officers in Victoria, Australia, face assault charges after an investigation by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) into an arrest that involved alleged excessive force. The incident occurred last August when officers were arresting an Indigenous man in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

According to IBAC, a Senior Constable is accused of unlawfully striking the man with a Taser multiple times on the head during the arrest. This officer has been charged with aggravated assault with a weapon. Additionally, a Sergeant allegedly used their knee to unlawfully strike the man on the head, leading to a charge of unlawful assault.

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During the arrest, it is alleged [a] Senior Constable unlawfully struck the man to the head with a taser multiple times.

The IBAC investigation, codenamed Operation Ginkgo, was conducted by the focused police complaints team. This team specifically handles serious, single-incident allegations of misconduct by Victoria Police officers against individuals from communities at higher risk, including First Nations people.

Both officers are expected to appear before the Ringwood Magistrates Court on September 11. Victoria police have been contacted for comment. IBAC stated that no further information is available as the matter is now before the courts.

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In addition, it is alleged the Sergeant unlawfully struck the man to the head with their knee.