Greens candidate could lose sight after being arrested in anti-Israel protest

A former Greens candidate who ran against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in his Sydney seat may not regain sight in one of her eyes after being injured while being arrested during an anti-Israel protest.

Hannah Thomas (right) with her injuries following the protest.

A former Greens candidate who ran against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in his Sydney seat may not regain sight in one of her eyes after being injured while being arrested during an anti-Israel protest.

Hannah Thomas, who ran as the Greens candidate for Grayndler in May’s federal election, was photographed with a swollen and bloodied right eye while standing next to two police officers following a protest outside a business called SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney’s southwest on Friday.

The Greens take issue that SEC Plating allegedly provides parts to F-35 jets, which Israel’s armed forces use.

Ms Thomas is scheduled to undergo surgery for her facial injury.

Video footage of the protest that began circulating on social media shows police and protesters clashing during the rally.

Ms Thomas is scheduled to undergo surgery following her facial injuries.

Doctors have told her they are concerned she may not regain sight in the eye that was injured.

In a statement, NSW Police said five people were arrested during the protest, which it said was unauthorised.

“Officers attached to Campsie Police Area Command attended Lakemba Street, Belmore, in response to an unauthorised protest in front of a business,” a NSW Police spokesman said.

“Police issued a move on direction to a group of about 60 protesters, who allegedly attempted to block pedestrian access to the business.

“As police attempted to arrest the protesters who were not complying with the directions, a scuffle ensued between police and protesters, during which a police body worn camera was taken by an unknown protester.”

The police spokesman also addressed Ms Thomas’ injuries, saying she was injured while being arrested.

“During the 35-year-old woman’s arrest, she sustained facial injuries and was taken to Bankstown Hospital for treatment,” he said.

Ms Thomas poses for a photo in Camperdown during the election.

Ms Thomas was arrested after allegedly failing to comply with a direction before being taken to hospital.

Ms Thomas has previously been involved in anti-Israel protests, once saying a vote for the Greens is a “vote with Palestine”.

She has called for Israel to be sanctioned and for the Israeli ambassador to Australia to be kicked out of the country.

She has also urged the Australian government to back a controversial arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Greens MP Sue Higginson said the actions of police during the rally were “excessive”.

“I have spoken with the people in police custody this morning, in my legal capacity, and they cannot believe what they saw happen to the individual who has sustained serious injury as a result of the excessive police force,” she said.

Greens Senator David Shoebridge said: “The arrest of multiple peaceful protesters who are calling for Australia to stop arming a genocide shows how far we’ve moved from protecting peaceful dissent.”

Senator Mehreen Faruqi said: “Hannah has long been a fearless and strong advocate for the rights of all people to live without oppression”.

Ms Thomas has not been charged.

Originally published as Greens candidate could lose sight after being arrested in anti-Israel protest