Hannah Thomas, a pro-Palestine activist and former Greens candidate, was reportedly assaulted by police and taken to hospital after being arrested at a protest in Belmore on Friday.

The demonstration, attended by around 60 people, was held to protest the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza by Israel. Thomas was later charged with resisting arrest.

Thomas described the laws used to suppress protests as “draconian anti-protest laws,” accusing New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley of “trying to demonise protesters, particularly pro-Palestine protesters” in a video recorded from her hospital bed.

Thomas "was given a move-on direction, resisted, and other people became involved," according to assistant police commissioner Brett McFadden. 

"There is no information that indicates any misconduct on behalf of my officers. A scuffle ensued, and she sustained the injury we believe during that arrest,” he added.

Thomas, 35, has been charged with resisting police and failing to comply with a direction, and is scheduled to appear in court on August 12.

In a video from her hospital bed, Thomas said: “I’m five-foot-one, I weigh about 45kg, I was engaged in peaceful protest. My interactions with NSW (New South Wales) police have left me potentially without vision in my right eye permanently.”

Four other people were also taken into custody by police during the demonstration outside SEC Plating, because the protest was intended to obstruct the manufacture of components which supposedly were to be used for F-35 fighter jets and other weapons.

Hannah Thomas is a former Greens candidate who ran against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Sydney’s Grayndler seat during the May federal election this year.