Sydney man becomes first person charged under AFP crackdown on antisemitism
The Australian Federal Police taskforce set up to tackle antisemitism has charged its first person — a 44-year-old Blacktown man accused of posting death threats to a Jewish association’s social media page.
The accused, from Sydney’s west, is charged with using a carriage service to make a threat to kill and one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.
The offences carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and five years’ imprisonment, respectively.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The accused was granted bail and is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on February 26.
AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said the charges were the first since Special Operation Avalite was set up in December.
“Special Operation Avalite was established to target high-harm, recidivist antisemites,’’ Nutt said.
“The experienced investigators and analysts working under Special Operation Avalite are also working to identify prolific antisemites causing high-harm in the community.
“A number of individuals are under investigation and the community should expect further charges.
“It is abhorrent that individuals are being targeted and threatened because of their race or religion.”
‘Should be on notice’
Nutt said “antisemites should be on notice”.
“If you engage in antisemitic conduct, you will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he said.
The charges come on the same day a ceasefire was reached in the Middle East between Hamas and Israel.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for calm, hoping the Gaza ceasefire will end the violence and hatred seen on the streets of Sydney.
Originally published on 7NEWS
