Australian police have charged a 31-year-old woman with assault after she allegedly attacked two Muslim women at a Melbourne shopping center. Authorities say the suspect targeted them for wearing head coverings, sparking outrage and calls for more decisive action against islamophobia.
The Melbourne Islamophobic attack occurred on February 13 at Epping Shopping Center, where the suspect reportedly grabbed and choked a 30-year-old pregnant woman using her hijab. Ten minutes later, she allegedly pushed and slapped another 26-year-old woman in a separate assault.
Police arrested the suspect and confirmed she will face court on Wednesday. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemned the attack, calling it reprehensible. He dismissed the claims that his government treats Islamophobic crimes less seriously than antisemitic incidents.
The attack comes amid heated debate over rising hate crimes in Australia. Earlier this month, the government passed what it called the “toughest laws Australia has ever had against hate crimes” in the nation’s history.
These laws mandate prison sentences of one to six years for displaying hate symbols, including th Nazi salute. Muslim leaders have criticized the government’s response, arguing that it has failed to address anti-muslim violence adequately.
The President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Rateb Jneid, described the response as grossly insufficient and urged leaders to take more decisive actions. Meanwhile, Melbourne police are investigating online threats directed at one of the victims.
Both women suffered non-life-threatening injuries but remained shaken by the attack. Australia’s anti-Islamophobia envoy, Aftab Malik, emphasized the need for immediate action. The Melbourne Islamophobic attack has reignited national discussion about racism and religious intolerance.
