Australian officer charged with assault after Greens candidate struck in anti-Israel protest
Hannah Thomas, a former Greens candidate, was hit in the face during a violent rally in Sydney; police say an officer has been charged with assault.
A police officer in Sydney, New South Wales, has been charged with assault in connection with a violent anti-Israel protest, during which former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas was struck in the face and nearly lost an eye, authorities said.
Thomas, who had stood for the Greens in recent elections, was among several participants targeted during the demonstration. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as protesters clashed with police, and medical staff treated Thomas at the scene.
Investigators filed the assault charge after reviewing evidence collected at the protest, and prosecutors subsequently approved the filing. Police did not release the officer’s name at this stage.
The incident occurred as demonstrations linked to the broader Israel-Gaza issue unfolded across Australia, with authorities urging restraint amid rising tensions. Officials said more details will be provided as the case proceeds.