Melbourne Woman Charged Over Alleged Islamophobic Attacks at Shopping Centre
A Melbourne woman is set to face court after being charged in connection with two alleged Islamophobic assaults at a shopping centre. One of the victims has spoken out, expressing fear and trauma following the incident.
The accused, a 31-year-old woman from Pascoe Vale, allegedly attacked a pregnant 30-year-old Muslim woman inside a shopping complex in Epping, in Melbourne’s north, last Thursday. Within approximately 10 minutes, she is alleged to have assaulted another woman, 26-year-old Ealaf Al-Easawi.
Victoria Police confirmed on Wednesday that the woman has been charged with multiple offences, including intentionally and recklessly causing injury, unlawful assault, and aggravated assault. Authorities allege the victims were targeted because they were wearing head coverings.
Al-Easawi recounted her distressing experience, stating that she had been grocery shopping when the attack took place. She described ongoing fear, difficulty sleeping, and persistent physical pain as a result of the incident.
“I feel terrified, traumatised, and still can’t believe what happened to me,” she said. “The scene won’t leave my mind. It keeps replaying over and over.”
Meanwhile, investigators are also examining a separate case involving online threats made against one of the victims.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the incident on Wednesday, condemning any attack based on a person’s faith or identity. “Any [alleged] attack on people on the basis of their faith or who they are is reprehensible, and I certainly hope the perpetrators are tracked down and face the full force of the law,” he told reporters.
Speaking more broadly, Albanese dismissed suggestions that Islamophobia is viewed differently from antisemitism in Australia, highlighting the government’s appointment of a special envoy on Islamophobia. “I take all attacks on the basis of people’s faiths seriously,” he stated.
Al-Easawi voiced concerns over the delayed response from political leaders, emphasizing the fear it instills in affected communities.
“It creates a terrible feeling inside—why aren’t they condemning this?” she questioned. “I am part of this country, and this country is meant to be a multicultural nation.”
The case continues to unfold as the accused prepares to face legal proceedings.
Leave A Comment