Royal Reception Incident
A woman has been charged with assaulting Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe, who recently made headlines for her outburst at King Charles III during a royal reception. The incident leading to the charge took place on May 25 at an Australian Rules Football match in Melbourne, where the senator reportedly suffered injuries. The woman charged with assaulting Indigenous Senator Thorpe is 28-year-old Ebony Bell, who appeared via video link in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Bell faces two counts of recklessly causing injury and three counts of unlawful assault. While police characterized Thorpe’s injuries as “minor,” the senator later disclosed that she had sustained “serious nerve and spinal injuries” that required surgery, including a plate being inserted into her neck. The nature of the injuries has raised questions about the severity of the alleged attack and has brought public attention to the issue of violence against politicians, particularly Indigenous leaders.
Following the alleged assault on May 25, it was reported to the police the very next day, leading to Bell’s arrest on July 25. The two women were reportedly acquainted, but the motive behind the alleged attack was not revealed in court. This lack of clarity has left many wondering about the circumstances surrounding the assault.
During the hearing, Bell’s lawyer, Manny Nicolosi, highlighted what he termed “real deficiencies” in the prosecution’s case and mentioned that a plea deal had been offered. Nicolosi explained that his client hadn’t appeared in court in person due to “recent threats,” although he did not elaborate on those threats. Bell remains free on bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on November 22, with the magistrate permitting her to join via video link.
Senator Thorpe made headlines earlier this month when she confronted King Charles during a reception at Parliament House, yelling, “You are not our king. You are not sovereign.” She was subsequently escorted out by security personnel. Thorpe accused the king of committing genocide against Indigenous peoples and demanded the return of their land and cultural artifacts. Her actions have ignited significant debate and criticism, particularly regarding her conduct towards the monarch, who serves as Australia’s head of state.
The incident has led to calls from the main opposition party for Thorpe to resign from the Senate due to her behavior. Critics argue that her outburst was disrespectful and unbecoming of a senator. This situation has put the spotlight not only on Thorpe’s actions but also on the broader issues of Indigenous rights and representation in Australia.
Thorpe is known for her outspoken activism and has a history of making headlines for her protest actions. In 2022, she faced restrictions for referring to Queen Elizabeth II as “the colonizing Her Majesty,” and last year, she was banned for life from a Melbourne strip club after confronting patrons. These incidents contribute to her controversial public image and raise questions about how her behavior might affect her political career.
Following the alleged assault, Senator Thorpe revealed that she had missed 16 out of the 44 Senate sitting days this year due to her injuries and recovery from surgery. In a statement, she expressed her preference for privacy regarding her health issues but confirmed that her doctor had advised her to take time off work for recovery. This statement underscores the physical and emotional toll that the alleged assault has taken on her.
As the Senate prepares to reconvene following the royal visit, Thorpe’s conduct may lead to further backlash from her colleagues and the public. Her office has stated she has not yet decided whether to attend upcoming Senate committee meetings in person or remotely, leaving her political future uncertain.
Additionally, Thorpe has raised questions about the validity of her Senate appointment, claiming she had affirmed allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II and her “hairs” instead of “heirs” during her 2022 affirmation ceremony. Although she later clarified that the mispronunciation was accidental, legal experts assert that such a mistake does not invalidate the affirmation.
Sydney University constitutional lawyer Anne Twomey noted that the Senate’s ability to discipline Thorpe is limited, especially since her outburst occurred outside the chamber in Parliament’s Great Hall. This nuance complicates any potential actions against her, making the political landscape increasingly complex.
As events continue to unfold, the public and lawmakers will be closely watching both the legal proceedings against Bell, the woman charged with assaulting Indigenous Senator Thorpe, and the implications for Thorpe’s political career. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the challenges faced by Indigenous leaders in the public eye and the ongoing conversation about rights and representation in Australia.
Refrence by Abc News
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