Three arrested after imam allegedly assaulted, threatened in racially motivated attack

1 month ago 8

Three people have been arrested after an Islamic leader and his wife were allegedly driven off the road and racially abused in Melbourne’s south-east, prompting calls from religious organisations for stronger action to confront Islamophobia.

Imam Ismet Purdic, from the Bosnia-Herzegovina Islamic Society in Noble Park, posted on social media on Sunday to share his “profound trauma” after he and his wife were targeted with anti-Muslim slurs and threats, including a “stabbing threat”, on Saturday.

Imam Ismet Purdic and his wife were allegdely racially attacked over the weekend.

Police said the Imam and his wife were driving along the Gippsland Highway in Dandenong South about 7.40pm on Saturday when they were targeted with racial abuse from the occupants of a nearby black hatchback.

That black hatch allegedly blocked the Imam’s vehicle, forcing him into a nearby service station, before getting out of their car and damaging his vehicle. It is understood the Imam was also punched, and objects were hurled at his car.

“Good Samaritans intervened before the offenders allegedly returned to their vehicle and fled,” police said. “The trio was arrested in Dandenong South yesterday.”

“Peace be upon you,” the Imam posted on social media after the attack. “Thank you everyone for the prayers, calls, texts. I can’t get a hold of everyone, me and my wife are doing fine and so are the kids, thank you all.”

In a statement from the Bosnia-Herzegovina Islamic Society, a spokesperson condemned the racially motivated attack.

“The Imam has expressed gratitude that his children were not present, noting the profound trauma the incident has caused,” the statement said. “Imam Purdic has served the community for more than 12 years as a religious leader, educator and interfaith advocate through the Interfaith Network Dandenong, promoting peace, coexistence and mutual respect. He has called on all Australians to work together to prevent such hatred and violence.”

A 23-year-old man from Cranbourne North, and a 22-year-old man from Cranbourne East have been charged with criminal damage and common law assault. The Cranbourne North man was remanded in custody to appear in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Monday. The other man was released on bail to appear in court in May. A third person, an 18-year-old woman from Dandenong South, was released pending summons.

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) said the alleged offenders appeared to be of “Anglo white appearance with distinctive tattoos, and were exhibiting behaviour and language consistent with white supremacist and extremist hate ideology”.

“This attack comes despite Victoria formally recognising 15th March as the United Nations International Day to Combat Islamophobia,” the imams council said in a statement.

“ANIC also warns that political rhetoric and irresponsible media commentary are actively fuelling this violence, particularly the dangerous false equivalence being drawn between peaceful pro-Palestinian advocacy, and the Bondi terror attacks.

“We call for urgent identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and for stronger national action to confront Islamophobia, far-right extremism and hate-fuelled violence in Australia.

“All Australians deserve to feel safe going about their daily lives without fear of being abused, threatened or attacked.”

A Victoria Police spokesperson said: “There is absolutely no place for prejudice-motivated, religious-based or hate-based behaviour in our society and such activity will not be tolerated.”

Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.