Man charged with Commonwealth offenses over alleged Islamophobic incident in Darwin

A 53-year-old man has been charged with Commonwealth offenses in Darwin following an alleged Islamophobic incident earlier this year. Northern Territory Police announced the charges, which include two counts of threatening force or violence against a person due to their protected group status, causing fear within that group.

The incident reportedly occurred on June 7, when the man allegedly directed threats toward an adult male, his pregnant wife, and their young child. Detectives, with assistance from the Joint Counter Terrorism Team, arrested the man on Tuesday. As a consequence of the charges, police confiscated the man's firearms and suspended his firearms license.

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Every person has the right to go about their daily lives and spend time with their family without fear, intimidation or persecution

The accused has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear in Darwin Local Court on October 1. NT Police Acting Commander Robert Griffiths condemned the alleged conduct, stating, "Every person has the right to go about their daily lives and spend time with their family without fear, intimidation or persecution." He emphasized that no one should be targeted based on their identity, beliefs, or origin.

Acting Commander Griffiths affirmed the police's commitment to investigating and holding accountable individuals who threaten, intimidate, or vilify others. The charges underscore the legal framework in place to address hate crimes and protect vulnerable groups from targeted harassment and fear.

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No-one should be targeted because of who they are, what they believe, or where they come from