Anti-Islam film riot accused Mohammed Issai Issaka sorry Mohammed Issaka enters Sydney's Downing Centre court, where he has pleaded not guilty to riot, resisting arrest and assaulting police. Picture: Ross Schultz Source: News Limited A MAN accused of rioting during a violent protest over an anti-Islamic film has delivered an emotional apology to a Sydney court. Mohammed Issai Issaka has pleaded not guilty to rioting and resisting arrest in the September 2012 protest in Sydney's CBD. During a previous hearing at the Downing Centre Local Court Issaka refused to stand as Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge entered the room. But today he sobbed as he said he wanted to offer "an unreserved apology." "I wish to explain that I had formed a sincere religious belief that I did not have to stand for any man or woman," he said. "It was never my intention to show contempt or disrespect to the court or your honour by not standing," he said, dressed in a kufi cap and white robes. Ms Milledge accepted the apology but said: "Regardless of ethnicity, of colour, of creed or religion, you are all equal - we are all equal - in the face of the court." Police prosecutor Matthew Baker told the court the Hyde Park riot was violent. "There are bottles being thrown, there are kicks, there are pushes, it's an exceptionally violent scene," he said. He said Issaka moved to the front of the riot pack and even got behind police lines. He said Issaka's attempted explanations were "fanciful and ridiculous." Issaka had tried to convince the court that he had approached a line of police in full riot gear and waving batons, "and engaged in some polite discussion of Sydney rail," Sergeant Baker said. He also dismissed Issaka's claim that he passively submitted to police officers when he was arrested. "He is either in denial as to what occurred or he is lying to the court," Sergeant Baker said. Defence counsel Stephen Hopper was due to give closing submissions later on Monday.