Arabic version: هيلين هاينز لا تزال في حالة حرجة في مستشفى بملبورن

According to ABC News, independent MP Helen Haines remains in a critical condition in a Melbourne hospital, more than two days after she was struck by a car outside her electorate office in Victoria’s north-east.

Her husband, Phil, said Haines lost both legs because of her injuries. He described her as a “fighter”, and said her family hoped she would recover.

Hundreds of people gathered at a vigil for the Indi MP in Wodonga on Wednesday night. The regional town is about 70 kilometres north-east of Wangaratta. ABC reporter Gaye Pattison said people from different backgrounds and politicians from across the border had gathered, sharing stories about Haines’s kindness and authenticity.

Brendan Nugent, 43, appeared in court on Wednesday after being arrested at the scene of the incident. Victoria Police charged him with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. He also faces charges of possessing and cultivating cannabis. ABC News reported it could be close to four months before he returns to court.

The incident has prompted wider discussion about the safety of politicians and public servants. The Australian Federal Police have long warned of escalating threats of violence against politicians. In Perth, police also arrested a man armed with nunchucks and making verbal threats at Western Australia state MP Hannah Beazley’s electoral office.