2026-01-15
The Victorian Greens are shocked and appalled by reports that an Islamic community leader has been assaulted and racially abused after he and his wife were allegedly forced off the road by perpetrators in Dandenong South.
The reported attack comes amid a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim hate and racially motivated violence across Victoria, with community leaders warning that these incidents are becoming more frequent, more visible and more dangerous.
The Victorian Greens spokesperson for Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism, Anasina Gray-Barberio, has unequivocally condemned the alleged attack and said urgent action is needed to address the rise of racially motivated hate crimes across the state.
Quotes attributable to the Victorian Greens spokesperson for Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism, Anasina Gray Barberio:
“Reports that an Islamic community leader and his wife were attacked and driven off the road are shocking and deeply disturbing.
“This was not an isolated incident. Anti-Muslim hate is rising, driven by white supremacist and far-right extremists who are becoming more emboldened, more organised and more violent. This kind of hatred festers in silence and inaction where it turns into violence and it cannot be ignored.
“These targeted and disproportionate acts of violence on Muslim-Australians demand more than hollow words, we need urgent and comprehensive action from this Labor Government, so all Victorians are safe, irrespective of their faith, creed or background.”
-ENDS-