Former Greens Candidate Hospitalised After Arrest at Sydney Protest
Hannah Thomas, who recently contested the Sydney electorate of Grayndler, was hospitalized after sustaining serious facial injuries during her arrest at a protest in western Sydney. The demonstration involved around 50 to 60 people protesting outside a local business accused of supplying technology to Israel's defense sector.
Protest Against Alleged Defence Supplier
The protesters targeted a company reportedly providing electroplating and surface coating services used in aerospace and defence technology, including parts for F-35 jets operated by the Israeli military. The group aimed to block pedestrian access to the business as a form of civil disobedience.
Police Response and Arrest
According to police, officers issued a move-on order at approximately 5:30 a.m. but described the protest as unauthorized due to the absence of prior notice or exemption under anti-protest laws. Hannah Thomas allegedly refused to comply and was forcibly arrested.
During the arrest, Thomas sustained facial injuries, particularly around her right eye, and was transported to Bankstown Hospital for medical treatment. Her injuries were severe, prompting concerns she might lose sight in that eye.
Eyewitness Accounts and Video Evidence
Footage and eyewitnesses depict a tense scuffle during the police attempts to remove protesting individuals. Some videos show police officers pulling a woman from the crowd before she falls to the ground, with bystanders shouting for her release.
One protester, Zack Schofield, described seeing Thomas with significant bleeding and swelling, stating her eye was entirely closed. He and others condemned what they regarded as excessive police force.
Political and Community Reactions
Leading Greens representatives condemned the police conduct. Senator Mehreen Faruqi called the incident "atrocious" and pledged full support for Thomas in pursuing accountability once she recovers. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson labeled the force used "brutal and excessive,” emphasizing the peaceful nature of the protest and affirming the right to non-violent civil disobedience.
Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
Five individuals, including Hannah Thomas, were arrested during the protest. Thomas was not charged, but four others face legal action and are due to appear at Bankstown Local Court on July 15 under various charges related to the protest. The authorities stated the incident will be reviewed in accordance with standard procedures, but no critical incident investigation has been opened so far.
The unfolding events have sparked debate over the balance between lawful protest rights and law enforcement responses, raising questions about police conduct and the handling of civil demonstrations in New South Wales.
