Arabic version: الشرطة تحقق في كتابات مسيئة على مكتب أليكس غرينتش في سيدني
According to ABC News, NSW Police are investigating homophobic graffiti sprayed on the outside walls and windows of independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich’s Oxford Street office in Surry Hills. Police received reports of the vandalism on Sunday at about 12pm.
Police said a crime scene had been established and investigators were reviewing CCTV and making inquiries to identify those involved. Mr Greenwich told ABC News he had previously received written threats, phone abuse and social-media abuse, but had “never anything like this”. In a social-media post, he described the incident as “deeply distressing” for himself and his staff.
Mr Greenwich said no-one should face such hatred in their workplace, particularly on the ninth anniversary of Australia’s marriage equality YES vote. He said that if the intention was to intimidate him, it had had the opposite effect, adding that he was more determined to make Sydney and NSW safer, fairer and more equal for the community.
Federal Wentworth MP Allegra Spender condemned the vandalism as “vile”, saying she was “disgusted and appalled”. She said there was no place for homophobia or hate in the community or Australian politics, and that attacks of this kind were designed to intimidate and harm.
The incident follows increased discussion about threats and violence directed at politicians. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Surry Hills Police Area Command.
