Return to Protest
Just weeks after sustaining a serious facial injury during her arrest at a protest in Belmore, Hannah Thomas, daughter of former Malaysian attorney-general Tommy Thomas, returned to the frontlines of political activism — this time walking alongside tens of thousands at the Sydney Harbour Bridge Palestine march on 3 August 2025.
The demonstration, officially titled the “March for Humanity,” marked the first time the iconic bridge was used for a political protest since World Pride 2023. Despite recent medical procedures and ongoing legal proceedings, Thomas was seen among the crowd, wearing a medical patch over her injured right eye.
Massive Turnout for Gaza
Organised by the Palestine Action Group Sydney, the event drew over 200,000 participants by some estimates, making it one of the largest demonstrations in Australian history. Protesters called for an end to the blockade of Gaza, unfettered humanitarian access, and international sanctions against Israel for its military campaign.
Chants of “Free Palestine” echoed over the Harbour as marchers crossed from Lang Park in Sydney’s CBD to Bradfield Park in North Sydney. Traffic was halted for hours as police shut down the bridge to accommodate the unexpected size of the crowd.
Thomas Walks with Political Heavyweights
Despite the risk to her still-recovering eye, Thomas walked alongside prominent figures such as:
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Julian Assange, the recently freed WikiLeaks founder, making his first public appearance in Australia since his release from UK custody.
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Bob Carr, former New South Wales premier and outspoken critic of Australian military cooperation with Israel.
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Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, who has consistently condemned the war in Gaza as a humanitarian crisis.
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Craig Foster, former Socceroo and now human rights advocate.
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Numerous NSW state MPs and community leaders.
Legal Context and Political Backlash
Her participation comes as she prepares for her 12 August court appearance in Bankstown, where she faces charges of resisting police and violating protest dispersal orders.
The earlier protest in Belmore, held outside a facility allegedly linked to Israeli defence supply chains, left Thomas with potential permanent damage to her right eye.
Since then, Greens leaders have stepped up their criticism of New South Wales’ protest laws, which they argue are being weaponised to silence political dissent.
Thomas has since posted about the protests for palestine on her Instagram.
Tensions Over Premier’s Stance
The demonstration also deepened rifts within the ruling Labor Party. NSW Premier Chris Minns faced internal backlash after opposing the protest in court — a position overruled by the Supreme Court just two days before the march. Some Labor MPs accused him of suppressing democratic expression and backing authoritarian policing.
What’s Next
With legal proceedings underway and public support growing, Thomas’s profile as both a victim of police overreach and a symbol of unwavering protest has only increased.
Her legal team has signalled their intent to initiate civil proceedings against the State of New South Wales, citing claims of assault, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution.
Watch a video here:
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Former M’sia AG Tommy Thomas’ Daughter Injured in Sydney Pro-Palestine March
Momentum Builds for Palestinian Recognition as UK, Canada Join France — But with Conditions
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