Lawyer and Former Greens Candidate Hannah Thomas Hospitalized After Suffering Severe Facial Injury During Sydney Protest Arrest

Lawyer and Former Greens Candidate Hannah Thomas Hospitalized After Suffering Severe Facial Injury During Sydney Protest Arrest

Sydney, Australia –  Hannah Thomas, a lawyer and recent Greens candidate for the seat of Grayndler in the 2025 federal election, has been hospitalized with severe facial injuries sustained during an arrest at a pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney’s southwest. Thomas, 28, may face permanent vision loss in her right eye following what witnesses describe as a violent encounter with New South Wales Police officers at the demonstration.

The protest, held outside SEC Plating in Belmore, was organized in opposition to the company’s alleged involvement in providing parts used in the F-35 fighter jets utilized by the Israeli military. The protest was intended to be non-violent and peaceful, with attendees calling for accountability over Australia’s indirect military complicity in the Gaza conflict.

Incident Details

According to witnesses, police arrived on the scene and attempted to disperse the group, citing that the protest was unauthorized. During the operation, Thomas was reportedly tripped to the ground and forcefully struck in the face by police while they tried to lift her.

“Several officers came over and in an attempt to help carry the individual away… that is when the strike occurred,” said one protester, who spoke to ABC News anonymously. “It was very clearly a strike to the eye.”

Another protester, Zack Schofield, who was standing nearby, recalled the disturbing aftermath.

“I looked over to my right and saw a young woman with blood gushing out of the right side of her face, her right eye completely closed,” Schofield told ABC News. “She had clearly been struck with significant force.”

Thomas was transported to the hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment. As of Friday afternoon, she was scheduled for surgery. Her injuries reportedly include a severe blow to the eye and possible facial bone fractures. Her condition is described as serious, and medical experts have not yet confirmed whether her vision in the injured eye can be saved.

No charges have been laid against Thomas.

Police Response and Legal Fallout

The NSW Police confirmed the use-of-force incident but stated it would not be formally investigated as a “critical incident.” A police spokesperson said the arrest and subsequent actions would be reviewed as per standard protocol.

“At this stage, no issues have been identified, and no complaints have been received regarding the Belmore protests,” said the spokesperson.

However, the lack of formal investigation has drawn sharp criticism from both legal and political figures.

Political and Public Response

Federal Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi expressed her outrage, pledging full support for Thomas:

“Hannah’s health is my top priority. It is devastating that police would bring violence against a non-violent protest for peace, but not surprising. Once she is able to consider next steps, she has my full support in responding to this shocking assault and seeking accountability.”

NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson, who is also representing some of the detained protesters in her legal capacity, condemned the police conduct:

“The last we heard, about an hour ago, was that Hannah was still in a state—the extent of her injuries were unclear. The prognosis provided to family earlier was that she may lose vision in that eye… this is a case of brutal and excessive force used by the police.”

Federal Greens MP David Shoebridge joined Higginson in calling for transparency and justice. Both insisted that the protest was lawful and those participating in civil disobedience deserve fair and respectful treatment under NSW law.

“Those reserving their right to engage in non-violent civil disobedience deserve to be treated fairly, respectfully, and non-violently under the laws of NSW,” said Higginson.

Background: Protest Target

The protest focused on SEC Plating, a company allegedly linked to defense contracts involving the F-35 fighter jet program. Activists claim that components produced by the company are used in military equipment deployed by Israeli forces in Gaza. SEC Plating has not publicly responded to these allegations.

Looking Ahead

Hannah Thomas, known online as @hannah4grayndler, has been a prominent voice in progressive legal and political activism. Her injury—and the incident surrounding it—has quickly drawn national attention and renewed debate around police conduct during protests, particularly those involving sensitive geopolitical matters.

The Greens and human rights advocates are now calling for an independent investigation, citing this incident as emblematic of broader concerns about police overreach and the suppression of civil liberties.

As Thomas recovers, supporters and colleagues continue to rally around her, demanding justice and calling for systemic accountability.