Three people have been arrested following an alleged racially motivated assault on a Muslim religious leader and his wife in Melbourne's south-east, which police have condemned as a hate-based attack with no place in society.
Alleged Freeway Assault
Victorian police allege that a 47-year-old imam from Noble Park and his wife were travelling along the South Gippsland Highway at approximately 7.40pm on Saturday when they were targeted by three occupants of a black hatchback. According to the police report, the trio racially abused the couple, hurled objects, and drove dangerously to intimidate them before forcing their vehicle off the road into a service station.
The situation escalated when the alleged offenders exited their car. Police state that the imam was punched in the face during an assault, while his wife was threatened. Members of the public are reported to have intervened at the scene, after which the trio fled in their vehicle.
Police Response and Arrests
Following an investigation, the three alleged perpetrators were located and arrested in Dandenong South on Sunday. A 23-year-old man from Cranbourne North and a 22-year-old man from Cranbourne East have both been charged with criminal damage and common law assault.
The 23-year-old was remanded in custody to appear at Dandenong Magistrates' Court on Monday, while the 22-year-old was granted bail and is scheduled to appear at the same court on 22 May. An 18-year-old woman from Dandenong South was released pending summons.
Community Condemnation and Trauma
The Australian National Imams Council strongly condemned what it described as a "cowardly attack." The council confirmed the imam is recovering from his physical injuries but emphasised the severe psychological trauma suffered by both victims.
"No family in Australia should fear being attacked simply for their faith, appearance, or identity," the council stated. In an official statement, Victorian police declared, "There is absolutely no place for prejudice-motivated, religious based or hate-based behaviour in our society and such activity will not be tolerated."
The incident has raised fresh concerns about community safety and religious intolerance, with authorities treating the matter with the utmost seriousness as the legal process continues.
