Man Claims He Was Forced to Strip at Mardi Gras

Pictured Above: Previous claims of police brutality at the popular gay and lesbian festival went viral on social networks.

There has been another report of police abusing power during the 2013 Mardi Gras festival, with a third case claiming a man was forced to strip off in front of bystanders to partake in a drug search.

The investigation has been launched after 55 year old Gary Leeson, alleged he was “bullied” and “humiliated” whilst picking up his Mardi Gras tickets at 4:30pm, Friday February 23^rd.

Speaking to news.com.au, Leeson claims he was approached by a sniffer dog at the gates of the Sydney Mardi Gras Habour Party and taken into an enclosure for a full search. With a gap in the tarpaulin, Leeson alleges people could see inside whilst the police said “now drop your pants”. Leeson claims he was asked to do so after repeatedly stating he was not in possession of drugs.

Leeson alleges that he was accused of lying by the police and that people passing by could “[see] my bare butt… I was not comfortable with that at all”, he said.

“It’s a complete abuse of their powers… I feel embarrassed and humiliated”.

Now a subject of internal investigation, NSW police are refusing to comment on the specifics of the case.

You can read our previous story of alleged police brutality at the 2013 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival here.

Nadine Walker