Terror cops charge Queensland man following probe into threats made to Jewish centre in Victoria

Headshot of Peta Rasdien
Peta Rasdien
The Nightly
Police allege the man made verbal threats in a social media post on Saturday, December 8.
Police allege the man made verbal threats in a social media post on Saturday, December 8. Credit: AAP

A man has been charged following an investigation into threats made to a Jewish community centre in Victoria.

Detectives from the Counter-Terrorism Investigation Group arrested the 52-year-old Queensland man in the Yarraman State Forrest on Saturday night, seizing his phone.

It will be alleged he made verbal threats to the Caulfield centre in a social media post on Saturday, December 8.

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He has been charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence and is due before Nanango Magistrates Court on January 16, 2025.

Police say initial investigations indicate the man was not involved Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing on December 6.

A manhunt is still underway for three people believed to be involved in that attack.

Under new laws introduced in Queensland serious vilification and hate crime are now a criminal matter.

Queensland police has warned everyone has a right to feel safe.

“The QPS remains committed to community safety and engaging with people from across our culturally diverse society to help foster relationships and build upon platforms for community engagement.”

Anyone found responsible for vilification or committing hate crimes would be prosecuted.

The latest charges come after Jewish human rights organisation the Simon Wiesenthal Centre revealed it was preparing to issue a global warning against travel to Australia following the synagogue arson attack which has been declared an act of terror.

Incidents of hate crimes and serious vilification can be reported to the Queensland Police Service through Policelink 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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