All charges linked to a June protest in Sydney against activist Hannah Thomas, the daughter of former attorney-general Tommy Thomas, have been dropped.
“It’s a relief,” she said in an immediate response after prosecutors withdrew the charges during a court appearance at Bankstown today, the Australian Associated Press reported.
However, she added, “it’s far from justice”.
Thomas, 35, sustained an eye injury during the protest. She was arrested on June 27 outside SEC Plating, a company that activists allege is linked to the production of parts for the US fighter jets used by Israel. The company has denied the claim.
She faced one charge of resisting arrest and two more of ignoring “move-on” orders.
Thomas claimed that she was punched in the face by a police officer during the arrest, sustaining an injury that required surgery.
She now plans to sue the police for malicious prosecution and assault.
“The charges against me should never have been brought,” she was quoted as saying.
Her lawyer Peter O’Brien said her injury is still serious and called for the officer involved to be charged.
Four other protesters arrested at the same rally still face court. New South Wales police said bodycam footage showed no misconduct.
Thomas stood as a Greens candidate against Anthony Albanese in the prime minister’s seat of Grayndler at the last federal election on May 3, 2025.
