NSW ADMITS POLICE ASSAULTED AND FALSELY IMPRISONED PROTESTER HANNAH THOMAS

The state of New South Wales has admitted that a police officer punched Hannah Thomas in the eye during a pro-Palestine protest, and that she was subsequently falsely imprisoned. The state has also acknowledged that Thomas is entitled to damages and has agreed to pay her medical costs. Thomas is a former Greens candidate. New South Wales has not admitted to malicious prosecution or malfeasance in public office.

The admissions relate to an incident at a pro-Palestine protest in which an officer struck Thomas in the eye whilst holding a torch. The state's acknowledgement that she was falsely imprisoned forms part of the broader legal proceedings against New South Wales police. The state's concession that damages are owed represents a formal legal admission of liability for the assault and the false imprisonment. The denial of malicious prosecution and malfeasance in public office means those elements of the case remain in dispute.

The case draws renewed attention to the conduct of New South Wales police officers at pro-Palestine demonstrations. The agreement to cover medical costs sits alongside the confirmed entitlement to damages, though the quantum of those damages has not been confirmed in the source material. The outstanding disputes over malicious prosecution and malfeasance in public office indicate that legal proceedings are continuing. The outcome of those remaining claims has not yet been determined.