International Day Against Police Brutality and Its Significance
The International Day Against Police Brutality is observed every year on 15 March. It was first commemorated in 1997 following initiatives by activist groups from Montreal and Switzerland.
This day focuses on raising awareness about police brutality, defined as the unjustified use of force by police officers. The issue is recognised as a form of police misconduct occurring in many countries worldwide.
In Australia, police violence often targets Indigenous peoples, with documented cases of excessive force and fatalities in custody. The day serves as a platform to inform the public about rights and support victims of police abuse.
Date and Beginning of the Commemoration
The International Day Against Police Brutality is observed annually on 15 March. This date was first chosen in 1997 when the day was initially commemorated. The selection of 15 March was originally based on its convenience as a suitable date for the observance. From the year 2000 onwards, the date has also been frequently associated with a specific incident involving the beating of two children by the Swiss police. Additionally, 15 March holds significance as the day marking the establishment of the police force in Montreal.
Origins and Activities in Montreal
The International Day Against Police Brutality was initiated by the Montreal-based Collective Opposed to Police Brutality and the Swiss group Black Flag. The Collective Opposed to Police Brutality was established in Montreal in 1995 and comprises actual and potential victims as well as witnesses of police violence. The primary focus of the Collective’s activities is to inform people about their rights and provide support to victims of police misconduct. To further this mission, activists from the Collective publish a monthly journal detailing the actions of local law enforcement agencies. Each year, demonstrations in Montreal attract between two to three thousand participants. However, these protests are often met with police intervention, including dispersal of crowds. Activists frequently face arrests, and many are subjected to unfounded criminal charges. It is important to note that the events commemorating the Day Against Police Brutality in Montreal do not always proceed peacefully.
The Concept and Prevalence of Police Brutality
Police brutality refers to the unjustified use of force by law enforcement officers. It constitutes one of the forms of misconduct within police activities, representing a serious violation of legal and ethical standards. This phenomenon is not confined to a single region but is widely prevalent across many countries worldwide. The widespread nature of police brutality highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring accountability and proper conduct within policing institutions globally.
The Issue of Police Brutality in Australia
Police brutality in Australia disproportionately affects Indigenous communities, with numerous instances of excessive force during arrests, particularly in Queensland. Since 1991, over 432 Indigenous people have died in police custody across the country, yet no one has been held accountable for these deaths. In 2025, a tragic case occurred in Alice Springs where police officers strangled a 24-year-old Indigenous man during an arrest at a supermarket. The same year, in Melbourne, the police killing of Somali man Abdifatah Ahmed sparked widespread protests against police violence. Further incidents of excessive force were reported in February 2026 in Sydney, where police used pepper spray and physical shoving against protesters, resulting in injuries. Amnesty International Australia has called for independent investigations into police violence against demonstrators in New South Wales, highlighting ongoing concerns about accountability and the treatment of vulnerable groups by law enforcement.
