Greens candidate recovering from surgery after protest arrest injury

A Greens candidate who competed against PM Anthony Albanese in his Sydney seat has undergone surgery amid fears she could lose vision in one of her eyes after clashing with police at an anti-Israel rally.

Hannah Thomas was arrested but not charged during an anti-Israel protest.

A Greens candidate who competed against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in his Sydney seat has undergone surgery amid fears she could lose vision in one of her eyes after clashing with police at an anti-Israel rally.

The Daily Telegraph first revealed Hannah Thomas, the Greens candidate for Grayndler last federal election, suffered serious facial injuries during the protest outside a company called SEC Plating in Belmore on Friday.

The Greens argue SEC Plating is involved in the supply chain to make Israeli fighter jets.

Ms Thomas, who was arrested by police but not charged, was hospitalised following the incident.

She has now undergone surgery and remains in a stable condition at the hospital as of Saturday.

Hannah Thomas in an ambulance.

Hannah Thomas during the election.

However, her eye is still swollen shut and cannot be assessed further at this time.

Doctors had told her she could lose vision in the affected eye.

A new photo of Ms Thomas that emerged on Saturday shows major swelling around one of her eyes while she sits in an ambulance.

Meanwhile, NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson has written to NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb and Police Minister Yasmin Catley, complaining that the actions of the officers at the rally were “excessive”.

Hannah Thomas, as the Greens candidate for Grayndler, speaks to voters and volunteers outside a pre-polling station at Leichardt Town Hall. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

“I am writing to you to express my deep concern that no critical incident has been declared following the assault by NSW Police against a community member at a public assembly in Belmore,” Ms Higginson wrote.

“As you know, a critical incident is an incident involving a NSW police officer that results in the death or serious injury of a person.

After the protest in Belmore.

Ms Thomas was not charged.

“Having witnessed the grievous injuries caused by the police to Hannah Thomas, spoken to on ground witnesses who witnessed what occurred and with the knowledge that Hannah has experienced serious injuries and hospitalisation, I am calling for a critical incident to be declared urgently.”

Originally published as Greens candidate recovering from surgery after protest arrest injury