Salim Mehajer, the former deputy mayor of Auburn, has been released from a New South Wales prison after serving 11 months for electoral fraud. The 32-year-old left Cooma correctional centre on Tuesday morning, wearing a blue suit and black sunglasses with his hair slicked back, accompanied by his lawyer Zali Burrows. He did not speak to reporters and departed in a black car.
Mehajer was convicted in April 2018 for his role in a 2012 electoral fraud scheme that helped him secure a seat on Auburn City Council. His release on Tuesday does not mark the end of his legal troubles, as he faces multiple ongoing cases.
He is contesting allegations that he staged a car crash in 2017, involving his Mercedes AMG colliding with another vehicle, just before he was due in court over an alleged assault on a taxi driver. Additionally, on Friday, he was charged with driving offences dating back to 2012-2013.
Mehajer is scheduled to appear before Cooma Local Court in July to address these charges. The former businessman gained notoriety through his extravagant wedding, frequent media appearances, and numerous run-ins with the law.
