Major update after Greens candidate injured
NSW Police said the protest was not authorised and attempted to disperse the group.
'Five people have been arrested following an unauthorised protest in Sydney's west this morning,' a statement at the time read.
'About 5.35am Friday, officers attached to Campsie Police Area Command attended Lakemba Street, Belmore. Police issued a move-on direction to a group of about 60 protesters, who allegedly attempted to block pedestrian access to the business.
'A 26-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were subsequently arrested after allegedly failing to comply with the direction. During the 35-year-old woman's arrest, she sustained facial injuries and was taken to Bankstown Hospital for treatment.' Ms Thomas suffered a battered eye and said she may lose her vision. Supplied. Credit: Supplied
Last week, Ms Thomas was charged with resisting arrest and refusing or failing to comply with a direction to disperse.
Four others were also charged with a variety of offences.
'As police attempted to arrest the protesters who were not complying with the directions, a scuffle ensued between police and protesters,' a police statement read.
Ms Thomas was additionally charged with a rarely used emergency anti-riot power under 6A of the Law Enforcement Powers and Responsibilities Act (LEPRA).
The powers are in place to deal with 'large-scale public disorder', were introduced after the 2005 Cronulla riots and must be signed off by senior officers. She was seen with a swollen eye after the protest. Supplied Credit: Supplied
On Monday afternoon, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden confirmed police had dropped the charge after reviewing the incident.
He said 'police will seek to withdraw the alternative charge' at the next court appearance.
Following the incident last month, Ms Thomas said she may lose her vision permanently and blamed 'draconian anti-protest laws' brought in by the Minns government. Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden dropped one of the charges against the former Greens candidate. NewsWire / Nikki Short Credit: News Corp Australia
'I don't want to get into too much detail about the traumatic events on Friday, but I'm five foot one, I weigh about 45kg, I was engaged in peaceful protest, and my interactions with NSW Police have left me potentially without vision in my right eye permanently,' she said in a clip shared by MP Sue Higginson.
Ms Thomas challenged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the federal seat of Grayndler at the federal election earlier this year
She is set to face Bankstown Local Court on August 12.
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Sky News AU
3 hours ago
- Sky News AU
'It must stop': Former prime minister Tony Abbott calls for stronger action to stamp out 'pro-Hamas' protests, antisemitic attacks
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The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Double standards claim over synagogue attack response
Political leaders have been accused of double standards on Palestinian Australians as action is taken over a spate of incidents involving Jewish institutions. Worshippers were forced to flee the East Melbourne Synagogue after it was firebombed on the same night Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over Friday night's synagogue firebombing. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after the incidents, as federal leaders promise more action to protect Jewish Australians. Palestinian Australians have accused leaders of political silence, suspicion, hostility or surveillance when it comes to their plight and say they are met with protest crackdowns and threatened with repressive laws. "There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said. Mr Mashni demanded political leaders stop criminalising Palestinian resistance, grief and political expression and engage in meaningful consultation and inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and rights. "The longer political leaders ignore and avoid us, the more obvious their double standards become," he said. Miznon's owners have spoken of the "profound impact" of the incident on Friday. The demonstration outside the Hardware Lane restaurant ended with protesters smashing a glass door, up-ending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same," the owners said in an Instagram post. Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront protesters at the restaurant. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke to community members and inspected the damage during a visit to the synagogue on Tuesday. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. 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Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. Political leaders have been accused of double standards on Palestinian Australians as action is taken over a spate of incidents involving Jewish institutions. Worshippers were forced to flee the East Melbourne Synagogue after it was firebombed on the same night Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over Friday night's synagogue firebombing. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after the incidents, as federal leaders promise more action to protect Jewish Australians. Palestinian Australians have accused leaders of political silence, suspicion, hostility or surveillance when it comes to their plight and say they are met with protest crackdowns and threatened with repressive laws. "There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said. Mr Mashni demanded political leaders stop criminalising Palestinian resistance, grief and political expression and engage in meaningful consultation and inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and rights. "The longer political leaders ignore and avoid us, the more obvious their double standards become," he said. Miznon's owners have spoken of the "profound impact" of the incident on Friday. The demonstration outside the Hardware Lane restaurant ended with protesters smashing a glass door, up-ending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same," the owners said in an Instagram post. Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront protesters at the restaurant. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke to community members and inspected the damage during a visit to the synagogue on Tuesday. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism, but he pushed back against hosting a national cabinet, saying people want action instead of more meetings. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. Political leaders have been accused of double standards on Palestinian Australians as action is taken over a spate of incidents involving Jewish institutions. Worshippers were forced to flee the East Melbourne Synagogue after it was firebombed on the same night Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over Friday night's synagogue firebombing. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after the incidents, as federal leaders promise more action to protect Jewish Australians. Palestinian Australians have accused leaders of political silence, suspicion, hostility or surveillance when it comes to their plight and say they are met with protest crackdowns and threatened with repressive laws. "There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said. Mr Mashni demanded political leaders stop criminalising Palestinian resistance, grief and political expression and engage in meaningful consultation and inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and rights. "The longer political leaders ignore and avoid us, the more obvious their double standards become," he said. Miznon's owners have spoken of the "profound impact" of the incident on Friday. The demonstration outside the Hardware Lane restaurant ended with protesters smashing a glass door, up-ending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same," the owners said in an Instagram post. Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront protesters at the restaurant. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke to community members and inspected the damage during a visit to the synagogue on Tuesday. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism, but he pushed back against hosting a national cabinet, saying people want action instead of more meetings. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. Political leaders have been accused of double standards on Palestinian Australians as action is taken over a spate of incidents involving Jewish institutions. Worshippers were forced to flee the East Melbourne Synagogue after it was firebombed on the same night Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over Friday night's synagogue firebombing. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after the incidents, as federal leaders promise more action to protect Jewish Australians. Palestinian Australians have accused leaders of political silence, suspicion, hostility or surveillance when it comes to their plight and say they are met with protest crackdowns and threatened with repressive laws. "There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said. Mr Mashni demanded political leaders stop criminalising Palestinian resistance, grief and political expression and engage in meaningful consultation and inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and rights. "The longer political leaders ignore and avoid us, the more obvious their double standards become," he said. Miznon's owners have spoken of the "profound impact" of the incident on Friday. The demonstration outside the Hardware Lane restaurant ended with protesters smashing a glass door, up-ending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same," the owners said in an Instagram post. Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront protesters at the restaurant. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke to community members and inspected the damage during a visit to the synagogue on Tuesday. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism, but he pushed back against hosting a national cabinet, saying people want action instead of more meetings. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick.
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Attacker slams Slovak PM as shooting trial begins
The man who shot and seriously wounded Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has railed against Fico as he was led in shackles into court at the start of a trial that could see him jailed for life. Juraj Cintula, 72, acknowledges shooting the prime minister in May 2024 but denies intending to kill him. Prosecutors call it an act of terrorism. Asked by a reporter as he was being led into the Specialised Criminal Court building in the small city of Banska Bystrica why he had shot the prime minister, Cintula said: "Because he throttled culture." "Long live free culture!" he shouted on Tuesday as he was being led in shackles on hands and feet, dressed in a light blue-violet button shirt. "Long live democracy!" Prosecutor Katarina Habcakova told the court that authorities had rejected an offer from Cintula's defence team to settle the case by accepting a 12-year prison sentence. "Cintula acted to disable (Fico) permanently from performing his duty as prime minister and thus prevent the government from its proper functioning," Habcakova said. In the court, Cintula's defence lawyer said the defence rejected the terrorism charge, as not every attack on an official was terrorism and Cintula acted solely against Fico. The attacker fired five shots from a handgun from 1.2 metres as the prime minister greeted citizens in the central Slovak town of Hand. Fico was hit four times, including in the abdomen. The shooting exacerbated political tension in Slovakia. Fico, 60, a populist in power for 11 years over three stints since 2006, has blamed the mostly liberal, pro-EU opposition for fostering a climate of anger that led to the shooting. His political opponents say they had nothing to do with it. Cintula, a pensioner and former mine worker, stonemason and security guard, has told investigators he shot at Fico to hurt but not kill him, due to what he said were disagreements with the prime minister's policies on Ukraine, media and culture. Since returning to power in 2023 on a platform of opposing military aid to Ukraine and seeking better relations with Moscow, Fico has repeatedly clashed with Slovakia's partners in the European Union and NATO. He has also pushed through criminal law and media changes which opponents say undermine democracy. Echoing Prime Minister Victor Orban of neighbouring Hungary, he has pledged to build a "dam against liberalism" through constitutional reforms. Fico's tilt towards Russia triggered large public protests earlier in 2025, which he said were aimed at triggering a coup, which organisers deny. Fico has said he has forgiven Cintula and does not intend to attend the trial unless called to testify. The court has set hearings for Tuesday and Wednesday, with further hearings possible later in 2025 before a verdict is reached. The man who shot and seriously wounded Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has railed against Fico as he was led in shackles into court at the start of a trial that could see him jailed for life. Juraj Cintula, 72, acknowledges shooting the prime minister in May 2024 but denies intending to kill him. Prosecutors call it an act of terrorism. Asked by a reporter as he was being led into the Specialised Criminal Court building in the small city of Banska Bystrica why he had shot the prime minister, Cintula said: "Because he throttled culture." "Long live free culture!" he shouted on Tuesday as he was being led in shackles on hands and feet, dressed in a light blue-violet button shirt. "Long live democracy!" Prosecutor Katarina Habcakova told the court that authorities had rejected an offer from Cintula's defence team to settle the case by accepting a 12-year prison sentence. "Cintula acted to disable (Fico) permanently from performing his duty as prime minister and thus prevent the government from its proper functioning," Habcakova said. In the court, Cintula's defence lawyer said the defence rejected the terrorism charge, as not every attack on an official was terrorism and Cintula acted solely against Fico. The attacker fired five shots from a handgun from 1.2 metres as the prime minister greeted citizens in the central Slovak town of Hand. Fico was hit four times, including in the abdomen. The shooting exacerbated political tension in Slovakia. Fico, 60, a populist in power for 11 years over three stints since 2006, has blamed the mostly liberal, pro-EU opposition for fostering a climate of anger that led to the shooting. His political opponents say they had nothing to do with it. Cintula, a pensioner and former mine worker, stonemason and security guard, has told investigators he shot at Fico to hurt but not kill him, due to what he said were disagreements with the prime minister's policies on Ukraine, media and culture. Since returning to power in 2023 on a platform of opposing military aid to Ukraine and seeking better relations with Moscow, Fico has repeatedly clashed with Slovakia's partners in the European Union and NATO. He has also pushed through criminal law and media changes which opponents say undermine democracy. Echoing Prime Minister Victor Orban of neighbouring Hungary, he has pledged to build a "dam against liberalism" through constitutional reforms. Fico's tilt towards Russia triggered large public protests earlier in 2025, which he said were aimed at triggering a coup, which organisers deny. Fico has said he has forgiven Cintula and does not intend to attend the trial unless called to testify. The court has set hearings for Tuesday and Wednesday, with further hearings possible later in 2025 before a verdict is reached. The man who shot and seriously wounded Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has railed against Fico as he was led in shackles into court at the start of a trial that could see him jailed for life. Juraj Cintula, 72, acknowledges shooting the prime minister in May 2024 but denies intending to kill him. Prosecutors call it an act of terrorism. Asked by a reporter as he was being led into the Specialised Criminal Court building in the small city of Banska Bystrica why he had shot the prime minister, Cintula said: "Because he throttled culture." "Long live free culture!" he shouted on Tuesday as he was being led in shackles on hands and feet, dressed in a light blue-violet button shirt. "Long live democracy!" Prosecutor Katarina Habcakova told the court that authorities had rejected an offer from Cintula's defence team to settle the case by accepting a 12-year prison sentence. "Cintula acted to disable (Fico) permanently from performing his duty as prime minister and thus prevent the government from its proper functioning," Habcakova said. In the court, Cintula's defence lawyer said the defence rejected the terrorism charge, as not every attack on an official was terrorism and Cintula acted solely against Fico. The attacker fired five shots from a handgun from 1.2 metres as the prime minister greeted citizens in the central Slovak town of Hand. Fico was hit four times, including in the abdomen. The shooting exacerbated political tension in Slovakia. Fico, 60, a populist in power for 11 years over three stints since 2006, has blamed the mostly liberal, pro-EU opposition for fostering a climate of anger that led to the shooting. His political opponents say they had nothing to do with it. Cintula, a pensioner and former mine worker, stonemason and security guard, has told investigators he shot at Fico to hurt but not kill him, due to what he said were disagreements with the prime minister's policies on Ukraine, media and culture. Since returning to power in 2023 on a platform of opposing military aid to Ukraine and seeking better relations with Moscow, Fico has repeatedly clashed with Slovakia's partners in the European Union and NATO. He has also pushed through criminal law and media changes which opponents say undermine democracy. Echoing Prime Minister Victor Orban of neighbouring Hungary, he has pledged to build a "dam against liberalism" through constitutional reforms. Fico's tilt towards Russia triggered large public protests earlier in 2025, which he said were aimed at triggering a coup, which organisers deny. Fico has said he has forgiven Cintula and does not intend to attend the trial unless called to testify. The court has set hearings for Tuesday and Wednesday, with further hearings possible later in 2025 before a verdict is reached. The man who shot and seriously wounded Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has railed against Fico as he was led in shackles into court at the start of a trial that could see him jailed for life. Juraj Cintula, 72, acknowledges shooting the prime minister in May 2024 but denies intending to kill him. Prosecutors call it an act of terrorism. Asked by a reporter as he was being led into the Specialised Criminal Court building in the small city of Banska Bystrica why he had shot the prime minister, Cintula said: "Because he throttled culture." "Long live free culture!" he shouted on Tuesday as he was being led in shackles on hands and feet, dressed in a light blue-violet button shirt. "Long live democracy!" Prosecutor Katarina Habcakova told the court that authorities had rejected an offer from Cintula's defence team to settle the case by accepting a 12-year prison sentence. "Cintula acted to disable (Fico) permanently from performing his duty as prime minister and thus prevent the government from its proper functioning," Habcakova said. In the court, Cintula's defence lawyer said the defence rejected the terrorism charge, as not every attack on an official was terrorism and Cintula acted solely against Fico. The attacker fired five shots from a handgun from 1.2 metres as the prime minister greeted citizens in the central Slovak town of Hand. Fico was hit four times, including in the abdomen. The shooting exacerbated political tension in Slovakia. Fico, 60, a populist in power for 11 years over three stints since 2006, has blamed the mostly liberal, pro-EU opposition for fostering a climate of anger that led to the shooting. His political opponents say they had nothing to do with it. Cintula, a pensioner and former mine worker, stonemason and security guard, has told investigators he shot at Fico to hurt but not kill him, due to what he said were disagreements with the prime minister's policies on Ukraine, media and culture. Since returning to power in 2023 on a platform of opposing military aid to Ukraine and seeking better relations with Moscow, Fico has repeatedly clashed with Slovakia's partners in the European Union and NATO. He has also pushed through criminal law and media changes which opponents say undermine democracy. Echoing Prime Minister Victor Orban of neighbouring Hungary, he has pledged to build a "dam against liberalism" through constitutional reforms. Fico's tilt towards Russia triggered large public protests earlier in 2025, which he said were aimed at triggering a coup, which organisers deny. Fico has said he has forgiven Cintula and does not intend to attend the trial unless called to testify. The court has set hearings for Tuesday and Wednesday, with further hearings possible later in 2025 before a verdict is reached.
