Arabic version: الشرطة تفكر في توجيه تهم في قضية اعتداء مزعوم معادٍ للإسلام

Victoria Police is weighing up whether to charge a 37-year-old Ballarat man accused of an Islamophobic attack during a community dinner on March 8. The police have completed their preliminary investigation into the incident, where the man allegedly threatened community members and made racially charged remarks. According to ABC News, Acting Superintendent Jason Templar stated that the brief of evidence is currently with the legal services division for review to identify the most appropriate charges.

The alleged assault involved the man entering the event uninvited, where he reportedly punched guests, intimidated children, and shouted threats such as “f*** Allah, f*** Islam, death to Allah”. The man, however, denies the allegations, claiming he entered the community hall seeking help after his home was broken into.

He stated that he was attacked by attendees who perceived him as a threat, explaining that he was shirtless and shoeless as he had just been awoken by the break-in. The alleged intruder has not reported the break-in to the police and has indicated that he does not plan to pursue charges for the assault he claims occurred at the dinner.

Witnesses at the dinner have challenged the man’s narrative, with several attendees asserting that he made racist comments and threats. Some witnesses also reported smelling alcohol on him. Police have not confirmed whether the man was believed to be intoxicated at the time of the incident or if any CCTV footage exists to corroborate conflicting accounts of the events.