A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting a western Sydney mayor during Saturday’s local council elections.
Police were called to a polling booth at a school in Merrylands at about 5pm after Cumberland City Council Mayor Steve Christou was allegedly assaulted.
See the incident in the video player above
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Video taken at the scene shows a man in Adidas shorts appearing to push the mayor, who’s seen dressed in an orange shirt.
Hours later, at about 10pm, and following inquiries, a 29-year-old man was arrested at a nearby business.
He was taken to Granville Police Station where he was charged with common assault.
The 29-year-old was granted conditional bail to appear in court on January 12 next year.
Following the incident, Mr Christou said he was recovering at home and “doing well”.
“I want to thank all the people concerned about my welfare after I was assaulted outside a polling booth at Merrylands Public School yesterday,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
“As this incident is under police investigation, I am unable to comment further on this matter, however, I will say that yesterday, we saw the ugly side of politics.
“I think it is very sad indictment on where politics are going in Australia where we see election candidates, who have put themselves forward to serve the community, can be assaulted outside a polling booth.”
Mr Christou said he did not know the other man and did nothing to antagonise him.
“There is never any justification for violence and people should respect each other’s views,” Mr Christou added.
“This is not the Australia I know and love.
“I look forward to the police findings.”
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