A former candidate for the Australian Greens, Hannah Thomas, sustained significant injuries during a protest in Belmore, Sydney, raising concerns about potential vision loss in one eye. The 35-year-old activist was involved in a demonstration on Friday morning against a local business purported to supply materials for weapon manufacturing.
Graphic images reveal Thomas with severe facial injuries, including a swollen closed eye and blood on her face, which led to accusations against the New South Wales Police of excessive force. The protest, described by participants as peaceful, saw Thomas and others blocked access to the business on Lakemba Street. Police deemed the gathering “unauthorised,” resulting in several arrests when some protesters failed to disperse.
A scuffle reportedly broke out between police and demonstrators, during which Thomas was injured. Greens MLC Sue Higginson expressed grave concern over her injuries, indicating the possibility of permanent vision impairment. The Greens party has publicly condemned the police’s actions, alleging that their response was violent and unnecessary.
Following the incident, Thomas was transported to Bankstown Hospital for treatment. The demonstration aimed to contest the activities of the factory linked to F-35 jet parts manufacturing, utilised by various nations, including Israel. Greens Senator David Shoebridge commented on the situation, questioning whether police actions were in the public interest or merely serving the interests of weapons companies.
In addition to Thomas, five other individuals were arrested during the protest. Among them was climate activist Zack Schofield, who was part of the group, alongside another protestor charged with theft involving a police body camera. Additional charges were filed against other participants for non-compliance with police orders and offensive language.
Thomas had previously contested the seat of Grayndler against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the recent federal election. Her situation has attracted media attention beyond Australia, with coverage in Malaysia, reflecting her family ties to the former attorney-general of the country.
The events surrounding this protest have reignited debates over police conduct at demonstrations and the rights of citizens to express their dissent peacefully.