NSW Police Officer Charged Assaulting Protester Hannah Thomas in Sydney

A senior New South Wales police officer has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm for injuring Hannah Thomas during her arrest at a pro-Palestine protest in Sydney in June. Thomas, who suffered serious eye injuries requiring multiple surgeries, had all charges against her dropped earlier this month, and she is now pursuing civil proceedings against the state alleging malicious prosecution and police misconduct. The officer, whose employment status is under review, is set to appear in Bankstown local court in November. The incident has drawn significant criticism, including calls from NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson for the stand-down of Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, who reviewed bodycam footage yet claimed no evidence of misconduct by police officers. Protesters were picketing SEC Plating over allegations the company supplied components used by the Israeli Defence Forces, which the company denies. This case has reignited debate around NSW's anti-protest laws, with critics linking these laws to increased police brutality toward peaceful protesters.