Australian state to set up anti-hate task force after Melbourne synagogue arson
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.