Hannah Thomas: NSW admits to police ‘battery and false imprisonment’ of pro-Palestine protester

<p>State admits former Greens candidate entitled to damages and agrees to pay medical costs, but denies malicious prosecution and malfeasance in public office</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/jun/10/australia-news-live-penny-wong-sanctions-west-bank-settlers-australian-politics-high-court-israel-palestine-settlers-immigration-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>The state of New South Wales has admitted that a police officer punched Hannah Thomas in the eye while holding a torch at a pro-Palestine protest – and it’s offered to pay her medical costs.</p><p>Court documents seen by Guardian Australia reveal that the state has admitted to false imprisonment and battery in its defence to a civil action launched by the former Greens candidate in October.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/10/hannah-thomas-pro-palestine-protester-assaulted-by-police-officers-falsely-imprisoned-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a>