A New South Wales police officer has been charged with assault following the arrest of former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas during a pro-Palestinian protest in June. The incident occurred outside SEC Plating, a manufacturing facility in south-west Sydney, where protesters alleged the company supplies components for F-35 jets used by the Israel Defense Forces. SEC Plating has denied these claims.

Thomas, 35, was among a group of about 60 demonstrators who gathered on June 27. During the police operation to disperse the crowd, she sustained a serious eye injury, which required multiple surgeries. She is scheduled for a third surgery soon. Earlier this month, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions dropped all charges against her and three other protesters, awarding them nearly $40,000 in legal costs.

On Tuesday, a 33-year-old senior constable from a specialist command was issued a court attendance notice for assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He is set to appear in Bankstown Local Court on November 18. The officer's employment status is currently under review, and he is being managed in the workplace.

NSW Police stated that an investigation was initiated by the professional standards command after the incident. This investigation is being overseen by an independent police watchdog. The police have faced criticism regarding their actions during the protest, particularly concerning the legality of the orders given to disperse the crowd.

Thomas's lawyers have indicated plans to file civil proceedings against the state of NSW, alleging malicious prosecution and abuse of process. The DPP has also dropped charges against three other protesters, while another protester had a larceny charge withdrawn but pleaded guilty to possessing suspected stolen goods.

The protest at SEC Plating was part of a larger movement advocating for Palestinian rights, and the allegations against the company have sparked significant debate. Thomas's injury has raised questions about police conduct during the operation, with earlier statements from police suggesting no wrongdoing had occurred. However, the case has since prompted further scrutiny and investigation into the use of force by officers.