New South Wales police officer charged over alleged assault at pro-Palestinian protest

New South Wales police officer has been charged with assault after allegedly punching a demonstrator at a pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney earlier this year.

Hannah Thomas, a former Greens party candidate, claims she was struck in the face by the officer during a June protest in Belmore, outside SEC Plating.

The company has been accused by activists of supplying weapons parts to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), though it has strongly denied the allegations.

Thomas suffered facial injuries that required surgery.

“No one should face violence for exercising their right to protest,” she said following the incident.

NSW Police confirmed on Tuesday that a 33-year-old senior constable has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. His employment status is now under review.

A critical incident investigation—automatically triggered when an officer is involved in an event resulting in death or serious injury—is also underway.

Police stressed that the probe is being overseen by the state’s Law Enforcement Conduct Commission to ensure transparency.

The officer is scheduled to appear in court in November.

The case has intensified debate over policing at pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Sydney, which have drawn large crowds in recent months amid growing scrutiny of Australia’s ties to Israel’s defense industry.