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🇦🇺 Australia /Crime & Justice

Australia's Antisemitism Inquiry Commissioner Issues Scathing Warning Over Witness Harassment

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

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  • Australia's Royal Commissioner on Antisemitism has issued a strong warning against intimidating and harassing witnesses.
  • Numerous witnesses have reported receiving abuse for testifying about their experiences with antisemitism.
  • The commission is actively monitoring and recording online hate messages, with at least one case referred to the Australian Federal Police.

The royal commissioner investigating antisemitism in Australia has issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to intimidate or harass witnesses who have provided testimony to the inquiry. The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has heard from dozens of witnesses this month detailing the abuse they have endured for speaking out about their experiences.

Commissioner Virginia Bell expressed deep concern at the start of Tuesday's hearing regarding the increasing reports of abuse directed at witnesses sharing their lived experiences. She noted a "dramatic increase in online hate messages" targeting individuals who have come forward.

We have received reports from a number of witnesses concerning a dramatic increase in online hate messages

· Virginia BellRoyal Commissioner Virginia Bell opened Tuesday's hearing by stating her disturbance over reports of continued abuse against witnesses.

The commission is taking these incidents seriously, with at least one matter already passed to the Australian Federal Police for investigation. Commissioner Bell described the messages as displaying an "undiluted level of hatred and bigotry" aimed at Jewish Australians.

In response, the commission is maintaining a close watch on these occurrences and systematically documenting the offensive social media posts. Hearings are ongoing, with members of the NSW Police scheduled to provide evidence.

undiluted level of hatred and bigotry

· Commissioner BellCommissioner Bell described the nature of the messages directed towards Jewish Australians.
About this summary

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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