A 19-year-old Sydney man has been taken into custody following accusations he directed antisemitic threats at a fellow passenger on a crowded flight returning from Bali.
Incident Unfolds Mid-Flight
Nazih Chahine, aged 19 and from Condell Park, appeared in a New South Wales Local Court today. He stands accused of threatening violence against a man he knew to be part of the Jewish community during an international flight on December 17.
The Australian Federal Police allege the teenager made threatening remarks of an antisemitic nature and used violent hand gestures. Concerned cabin crew on the six-hour journey alerted the AFP mid-flight, requesting assistance to manage the situation.
Arrest at Sydney Airport
Upon the aircraft's arrival at Sydney International Airport, armed officers were positioned and waiting. Nazih was arrested as passengers disembarked. He was refused bail and spent the subsequent night in custody.
Footage from the arrest shows the teenager, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, being escorted by two officers. One officer is heard advising him to 'watch his head' as he is placed into a police vehicle in an underground car park.
Legal Charges and Family Response
Chahine has been formally charged under section 80.2BB(2) of the Criminal Code with threatening force or violence against members of a group or their close associates. This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
However, the teenager's father, Wael, speaking to the Daily Mail, claimed his son had been unfairly targeted during the alleged confrontation, which happened in front of families returning from holiday. 'The story is twisted, that's all I have to say,' he stated. 'I can't say anything until after the court proceedings.'
Wael expressed disappointment that the allegations had been made public and said he hoped the matter would go 'well' during the legal process.
Context and Community Assurance
This arrest occurs just days after a mass shooting targeted a Hanukkah event in Bondi on Sunday, which left 16 people dead. Authorities have been quick to stress that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community stemming from the flight incident.
Police continue their investigations, and the matter is now before the courts.
