Latest news with #SECPlating
Perth Now
34 minutes ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Greens candidate undergoes surgery after protest arrest
A Greens candidate who challenged Anthony Albanese at the May federal election is in hospital after being arrested at a protest, as police face brutality claims. Five people were arrested while protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. Hannah Thomas, 35, who was the Greens candidate for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's seat of Grayndler, was taken to hospital with facial injuries suffered in the process of her arrest. A photo of Ms Thomas in an ambulance shows her eye swollen shut and with blood on her face before she was taken for surgery. Video of the incident shows multiple police dragging one of the protesters as on-lookers repeatedly shouted "get off her" and "let go of her". Police said matters escalated after officers issued a move-on direction to a group of 60 protesters who had blocked pedestrian access to SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's southwest early Friday morning. They said Ms Thomas was arrested for not complying with that direction. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the policing "excessive" and "unnecessary" and called for an investigation "to avoid further horrific instances of innocent people being seriously injured". She has written to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the NSW police commissioner and the state's police watchdog demanding the investigation. "Having witnessed the grievous injuries caused by the police to Hannah Thomas, spoken to on ground witnesses who witnessed what occurred, and with the knowledge that Hannah has experienced serious injuries and hospitalisation, I am calling for a critical incident to be declared urgently," Ms Higginson wrote in her letter. A police statement said the medical advice they had received about the incident did not meet the threshold for a critical incident declaration. "Should further medical advice be received, the decision can be reviewed," it said. Protest organisers say another protester was grabbed by the neck and choked, while others were knocked to the ground. SEC Plating is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Zack Schofield, a 26-year-old Rising Tide organiser who was arrested, said he was "objecting to genocide and the complicity of Australia in this". "The excessive force used by police was brutal and will be put into question," he said. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said Ms Thomas had been a "tireless advocate" for the tens of thousands of people killed in Palestine. "Hannah has long been a fearless and strong advocate for the rights of all people to live without oppression and occupation ... I am in awe of her courage and conviction in supporting people who need help," she said. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15.
Herald Sun
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Herald Sun
Greens candidate Hannah Thomas injured in Belmore Palestine protest
Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas has come away with graphic injuries after a pro-Palestine protest descended into chaos. A horrific photo, posted in the aftermath of the protest action, shows Ms Thomas with damaged left eye that is shut completely with streaks of dry blood caked onto her cheek. The unauthorised protest took place on Friday morning outside SEC Plating in Belmore, Sydney. Protesters claim the company provides components used in a class of jets operated by the Israeli Defence Force. NSW Police attempted to disperse the group, stating the protest was not authorised. 'Five people have been arrested following an unauthorised protest in Sydney's west this morning,' a police statement 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.' The injured woman has been identified as Ms Thomas, who challenged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the federal seat of Grayndler at the election earlier this year. A video recorded by one of the protesters captures a confrontation between police officers and several attendees. In the footage, some protesters can be heard shouting, 'let go of her.' A woman wearing a black coat is from the group and at one moment she appears to fall to the ground alongside a police officer. An officer is heard instructing, 'Get up now,' to which the woman responds, 'I'm trying.' It is not clear if the woman who is taken away in the video is Ms Thomas. A photo taken after the incident appears to show Ms Thomas standing next to an officer with visible swelling around her eye. A source has confirmed with NewsWire that Ms Thomas has undergone initial surgery and her vision may be impacted. A joint statement from the Greens said NSW Police had 'violently attacked and assaulted protesters' at the 'peaceful picket … leaving one woman with serious facial injuries and arresting multiple demonstrators'. 'SEC Plating reportedly is involved in providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets,' the statement reads. 'The State of Israel's fleet of around 40F-35 rely on the global supply chain and supplement supply from countries like Australia to continue the genocide against the Palestinian people.' The statement says Peter O'Brien Lawyers has been engaged to represent Ms Thomas along with other protesters. Ms Thomas has not been charged with a crime, the police said. The police have charged a 29-year-old woman with refuse or fail to comply with direction, a 24-year-old man with larceny and goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen, a 41-year-old man with using offensive language in or near public place or school and a 26-year-old man with refuse or fail to comply with directions and hinder or resist a police officer in the execution of duty. They were all granted conditional bail and will appear before Bankstown Local Court on July 15. Inquiries into the matter are ongoing, the police added. Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield was arrested in the tussle and claimed the protest constituted 'legitimate political expression against genocide'. 'I witnessed the brutal assault against a community member this morning, someone who was lawfully expressing themselves in public, and it was sickening,' he said. Originally published as Greens candidate Hannah Thomas suffers facial injuries after wild Belmore Palestine protest
News.com.au
8 hours ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
Greens candidate Hannah Thomas suffers facial injuries after wild Belmore Palestine protest
A former Greens candidate who took on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has come away with graphic injuries after a pro-Palestine protest descended into chaos. The unauthorised protest took place on Friday morning outside SEC Plating in Belmore, Sydney. Protesters claim the company provides components used in a class of jets operated by the Israeli Defence Force. NSW Police attempted to disperse the group, stating the protest was not authorised. 'Five people have been arrested following an unauthorised protest in Sydney's west this morning,' a police statement 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.' The injured woman has been identified as Hannah Thomas, who challenged Mr Albanese in the federal seat of Grayndler at the election earlier this year. A video recorded by one of the protesters captures a confrontation between police officers and several attendees. In the footage, some protesters can be heard shouting, 'let go of her.' A woman wearing a black coat is from the group and at one moment she appears to fall to the ground alongside a police officer. An officer is heard instructing, 'Get up now,' to which the woman responds, 'I'm trying.' It is not clear if the woman who is taken away in the video is Ms Thomas. A photo taken after the incident appears to show Ms Thomas standing next to an officer with visible swelling around her eye. A source has confirmed with NewsWire that Ms Thomas has undergone initial surgery and her vision may be impacted. A joint statement from the Greens said NSW Police had 'violently attacked and assaulted protesters' at the 'peaceful picket … leaving one woman with serious facial injuries and arresting multiple demonstrators'. 'SEC Plating reportedly is involved in providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets,' the statement reads. 'The State of Israel's fleet of around 40F-35 rely on the global supply chain and supplement supply from countries like Australia to continue the genocide against the Palestinian people.' The statement says Peter O'Brien Lawyers has been engaged to represent Ms Thomas along with other protesters. Ms Thomas has not been charged with a crime, the police said. The police have charged a 29-year-old woman with refuse or fail to comply with direction, a 24-year-old man with larceny and goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen, a 41-year-old man with using offensive language in or near public place or school and a 26-year-old man with refuse or fail to comply with directions and hinder or resist a police officer in the execution of duty. They were all granted conditional bail and will appear before Bankstown Local Court on July 15. Inquiries into the matter are ongoing, the police added. Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield was arrested in the tussle and claimed the protest constituted 'legitimate political expression against genocide'. 'I witnessed the brutal assault against a community member this morning, someone who was lawfully expressing themselves in public, and it was sickening,' he said.
Malaysiakini
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Hannah Thomas arrested, injured in pro-Palestine protest in Aussie
Hannah Thomas, daughter of former attorney-general Tommy Thomas, has been hospitalised after suffering injuries while being arrested, according to Australian media reports. She was among five protestors arrested over a pro-Palestinian protest outside SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's south-west this morning. The company is accused of supplying components for jets flown by the Israeli Defence Force. A report by ABC News quoted the New South Wales police saying...
The Advertiser
20 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Arrests over Gaza protest at fighter jet-linked firm
Police have arrested five people for protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside the premises of an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. A picket at SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's west escalated on Friday morning when NSW Police clashed with protesters, allegedly leaving one woman with facial injuries. The Sydney company is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Legal Observers NSW said the clashes escalated when police issued the protesters with a move-on order and were arrested for not complying with a police direction. "People were walking on the footpath when police issued them a baseless move-on direction and then assaulted protesters when they asked for an explanation," Legal Observers NSW spokesman Adam al-Hayek said. NSW Police said a "scuffle" had ensued between the two groups when officers attempted to arrest protesters who were not complying with the directions. Officers had earlier issued a move-on direction to a group of about 60 protesters before arresting a 29-year-old woman who failed to move, NSW Police said in a statement. Three more protesters were arrested after a second move-on order, including a 35-year-old woman who suffered facial injuries and was taken to hospital, the statement said. A 24-year-old man was arrested after allegedly taking an officer's body-worn camera. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15. One of the arrested protesters, Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield, said he witnessed a "sickening" police assault against one of the protesters. Another detained protester, Maritime Union of Australia organiser Shane Reside, alleged he was targeted for arrest by police for calling out their actions. Greens senator David Shoebridge told AAP he expected the incident to result in not only a referral to the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission but other legal action. "When police are deployed to protect weapons companies instead of protecting the right to peaceful protest, we must ask whose interests they are really serving," he said in a statement. "The arrest of multiple peaceful protesters who are calling for Australia to stop arming a genocide shows how far we've moved from protecting peaceful dissent." Police have arrested five people for protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside the premises of an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. A picket at SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's west escalated on Friday morning when NSW Police clashed with protesters, allegedly leaving one woman with facial injuries. The Sydney company is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Legal Observers NSW said the clashes escalated when police issued the protesters with a move-on order and were arrested for not complying with a police direction. "People were walking on the footpath when police issued them a baseless move-on direction and then assaulted protesters when they asked for an explanation," Legal Observers NSW spokesman Adam al-Hayek said. NSW Police said a "scuffle" had ensued between the two groups when officers attempted to arrest protesters who were not complying with the directions. Officers had earlier issued a move-on direction to a group of about 60 protesters before arresting a 29-year-old woman who failed to move, NSW Police said in a statement. Three more protesters were arrested after a second move-on order, including a 35-year-old woman who suffered facial injuries and was taken to hospital, the statement said. A 24-year-old man was arrested after allegedly taking an officer's body-worn camera. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15. One of the arrested protesters, Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield, said he witnessed a "sickening" police assault against one of the protesters. Another detained protester, Maritime Union of Australia organiser Shane Reside, alleged he was targeted for arrest by police for calling out their actions. Greens senator David Shoebridge told AAP he expected the incident to result in not only a referral to the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission but other legal action. "When police are deployed to protect weapons companies instead of protecting the right to peaceful protest, we must ask whose interests they are really serving," he said in a statement. "The arrest of multiple peaceful protesters who are calling for Australia to stop arming a genocide shows how far we've moved from protecting peaceful dissent." Police have arrested five people for protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside the premises of an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. A picket at SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's west escalated on Friday morning when NSW Police clashed with protesters, allegedly leaving one woman with facial injuries. The Sydney company is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Legal Observers NSW said the clashes escalated when police issued the protesters with a move-on order and were arrested for not complying with a police direction. "People were walking on the footpath when police issued them a baseless move-on direction and then assaulted protesters when they asked for an explanation," Legal Observers NSW spokesman Adam al-Hayek said. NSW Police said a "scuffle" had ensued between the two groups when officers attempted to arrest protesters who were not complying with the directions. Officers had earlier issued a move-on direction to a group of about 60 protesters before arresting a 29-year-old woman who failed to move, NSW Police said in a statement. Three more protesters were arrested after a second move-on order, including a 35-year-old woman who suffered facial injuries and was taken to hospital, the statement said. A 24-year-old man was arrested after allegedly taking an officer's body-worn camera. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15. One of the arrested protesters, Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield, said he witnessed a "sickening" police assault against one of the protesters. Another detained protester, Maritime Union of Australia organiser Shane Reside, alleged he was targeted for arrest by police for calling out their actions. Greens senator David Shoebridge told AAP he expected the incident to result in not only a referral to the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission but other legal action. "When police are deployed to protect weapons companies instead of protecting the right to peaceful protest, we must ask whose interests they are really serving," he said in a statement. "The arrest of multiple peaceful protesters who are calling for Australia to stop arming a genocide shows how far we've moved from protecting peaceful dissent." Police have arrested five people for protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside the premises of an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. A picket at SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's west escalated on Friday morning when NSW Police clashed with protesters, allegedly leaving one woman with facial injuries. The Sydney company is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Legal Observers NSW said the clashes escalated when police issued the protesters with a move-on order and were arrested for not complying with a police direction. "People were walking on the footpath when police issued them a baseless move-on direction and then assaulted protesters when they asked for an explanation," Legal Observers NSW spokesman Adam al-Hayek said. NSW Police said a "scuffle" had ensued between the two groups when officers attempted to arrest protesters who were not complying with the directions. Officers had earlier issued a move-on direction to a group of about 60 protesters before arresting a 29-year-old woman who failed to move, NSW Police said in a statement. Three more protesters were arrested after a second move-on order, including a 35-year-old woman who suffered facial injuries and was taken to hospital, the statement said. A 24-year-old man was arrested after allegedly taking an officer's body-worn camera. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15. One of the arrested protesters, Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield, said he witnessed a "sickening" police assault against one of the protesters. Another detained protester, Maritime Union of Australia organiser Shane Reside, alleged he was targeted for arrest by police for calling out their actions. Greens senator David Shoebridge told AAP he expected the incident to result in not only a referral to the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission but other legal action. "When police are deployed to protect weapons companies instead of protecting the right to peaceful protest, we must ask whose interests they are really serving," he said in a statement. "The arrest of multiple peaceful protesters who are calling for Australia to stop arming a genocide shows how far we've moved from protecting peaceful dissent."
