SYDNEY – Hannah Thomas, daughter of former Malaysian Attorney-General Tommy Thomas, has reportedly been hospitalised following injuries sustained during an arrest at a protest in Sydney, Australian media reports said today.
The 30-something-year-old activist was among five protestors detained this morning during a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside SEC Plating in Belmore, a suburb in Sydney’s south-west. The company has come under fire from activists for allegedly supplying components used in Israeli Defence Force (IDF) fighter jets, amid ongoing global criticism of the war in Gaza.
Witnesses at the scene claimed the arrests were forceful, and that Hannah appeared visibly injured as she was taken into custody. Reports from Australian outlets suggest she was treated on-site before being rushed to a nearby hospital. Her current condition remains undisclosed.
The protest, organised by a coalition of human rights and pro-Palestinian groups, aimed to highlight the role of Australian-based companies in allegedly supporting military operations in the Middle East. Footage circulating on social media shows police clashing with protestors as banners reading “Stop Arming Israel” were raised outside the company premises.
Tommy Thomas has yet to release a statement regarding his daughter’s arrest and hospitalisation. However, international human rights groups are calling for an independent investigation into the handling of the protest and subsequent arrests.
The New South Wales Police have defended their actions, stating that the protestors were obstructing access and refusing lawful orders to disperse. A spokesperson confirmed that five individuals were arrested for trespassing and unlawful assembly.
The incident has sparked fresh debate on freedom of assembly and the growing tensions surrounding international solidarity movements linked to the conflict in Gaza.
More updates to follow as the story develops.
