Hannah Thomas launches compo bid after protest scuffle that allegedly left her seriously injured
Former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas is seeking compensation after she was allegedly seriously injured by a police officer during a pro-Palestinian protest.
Ms Thomas was allegedly injured during a scuffle with police during a pro-Palestinian protest in Belmore, south-west Sydney, on June 27.
Afterwards, photos quickly emerged of a swollen eye covered in blood on his face; His lawyer, Peter O’Brien, revealed last month that his eye “is still affected and the outcome of that is still unknown”.
Ms Thomas had previously claimed she might lose her sight.
The former Greens candidate, who ran against Anthony Albanese in the Grayndler division in this year’s federal election, was initially charged over the incident, but the Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew the charges last month.
A senior police officer has since been charged with assault and the 33-year-old officer’s employment is “under review”.
He is expected to appear in court on November 18.
Ms Thomas has now commenced proceedings against the State of NSW in the Supreme Court of NSW.
He is expected to file a lawsuit for compensation after his arrest.
His lawyer, Peter O’Brien, told reporters last month that a civil lawsuit would be filed over allegations of malicious prosecution and abuse of public office.
The matter was submitted to the court for a hearing on November 28.
Protesters were protesting against SEC Plating over allegations that the company supplied jet components used by the Israeli Defense Forces, which the company denied.
A NSW Police spokesman said earlier that police had ordered about 60 people attending the protest to take action, but a fight broke out when some did not comply with the instructions.
