Mohammed Skaf, a key member of the notorious Skaf gang, has been refused parole after authorities discovered he repeatedly broke prison rules, including possessing pornography. Skaf was 17 when he was sentenced to 32 years for his role in a series of violent gang rapes in Sydney ahead of the 2000 Olympic Games, later reduced to 22 years on appeal.
According to a report presented at his parole hearing, prison authorities found contraband in his cell, including USB drives and pornography. The report also described Skaf as 'intimidating, manipulative and involved in things' during his imprisonment, though it acknowledged he was trying to improve.
Now 36, Skaf maintains his innocence, claiming he and his brother Bilal were victims of mistaken identity. He has refused to apologise to his victims and denies all charges. The State Parole Authority declined to release him, citing concerns he remains a danger to society.
Skaf was part of a group of Lebanese-Australian men who brutally gang-raped six women and girls, one as young as 14, in 2000. The attacks occurred at various locations, including parks and a train station, with victims subjected to hours of sexual assault and humiliation.
During a recent hearing, the Serious Offenders Review Council labelled Skaf a 'menace to society', noting he has not shown remorse for his actions. Skaf has been charged with 16 offences since his imprisonment.
