Man charged over alleged anti-Semitic hate threats
Robyn Wuth |
A man has been charged after an investigation into alleged anti-Semitic hate crime threats targeting a religious organisation.
A joint probe led to the arrest of a 52-year-old far north Queensland man on August 27 over alleged ideologically motivated threats of violence.
Detectives from the newly formed joint Queensland and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Hate Crime Team also executed a search warrant at a Mossman address, seizing an electronic communication device.
The man has been charged with two counts of threats with circumstances of aggravation, relating to serious vilification or hate crimes.
It is alleged the charges involve abusive, threatening and anti-Semitic content directed at a religious organisation.
Queensland Police’s Detective Superintendent Heath Hutchings said the operation underscored the importance of the new joint hate crime task force.
”By combining the expertise, legislative capabilities and investigative resources of both agencies, we are better positioned to identify and respond to emerging threats,” he said.
AFP’s Detective Superintendent Anthony Conway said the federal agency was focused on working with Queensland Police and other authorities to counter “divisive and hateful” rhetoric.
“Harm to social cohesion at a local community level ultimately impacts on Australia’s national security,” he said.
“We will not allow divisive and hateful rhetoric to grow and spread more widely.”
Police said investigations are continuing.
The man is due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on September 21.
AAP