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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

How one Australian state has responded to a synagogue arson attack

  • Victoria, Australia, is establishing an anti-hate task force, comprising the premier, police minister, and Melbourne mayor, to address violent protests and a rise in antisemitism.
  • The formation of the task force follows an arson attack on a synagogue in East Melbourne, where 20 worshippers inside escaped unharmed.
  • Police have arrested and charged a 34-year-old man in connection with the synagogue fire and are investigating whether the incident was an act of terrorism.
  • The Victorian government is drafting new legislation to ban face masks, the display of terror symbols, and devices used by protesters to attach themselves to objects.
  • Antisemitic incidents across Australia have escalated since October 2023, prompting the country to pass new anti-hate crime laws in February, including mandatory jail sentences for offences like giving a Nazi salute.

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