A New South Wales police officer has been charged with assault following allegations he struck a protester during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Sydney earlier this year.
Hannah Thomas, a former Greens party candidate, claims she was punched in the face by the officer during a June protest outside SEC Plating in Belmore. She required surgery for her injuries and has warned of possible permanent vision loss in her right eye.
The protest targeted SEC Plating, which demonstrators allege manufactures parts for F-35 fighter jets used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The company has denied any connection. Police declared the protest unauthorised and ordered participants to disperse. A scuffle broke out, and five people, including Thomas, were arrested.
The 33-year-old senior constable has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. NSW Police confirmed his employment status is under review while a critical incident investigation continues. He is scheduled to appear in court next month.
Thomas initially faced charges of resisting police and failing to comply with dispersal orders. Earlier this month, prosecutors dropped the case, and she was awarded nearly A$22,000 ($14,500; £11,000) in legal costs.
Her lawyer, Peter O’Brien, said the long-term impact on her eye remains unclear. He also announced plans to launch civil proceedings against NSW Police in the state’s Supreme Court. The claims will include malicious prosecution, assault and battery, malfeasance in public office, and collateral abuse of process.
Speaking outside court, O’Brien said Thomas was “seriously injured while exercising her democratic right to protest,” adding that the case raised broader questions about policing at demonstrations in New South Wales.
The officer charged has not entered a plea.
