Overview
- The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal found protest leader Hash Tayeh breached racial and religious vilification laws by leading “All Zionists are terrorists” at a Melbourne rally.
- Judge My Anh Tran ruled that, in context, “Zionist” was commonly understood to refer to Jewish people and that the chant was likely to incite hatred.
- The decision cited an antisemitic and pro‑violent rally environment, including Hamas‑linked symbols, “Death to the Zionist Regime” signs, abusive taunts at Jews, and a “Bash Zionists” T‑shirt.
- The tribunal also found APAN president Nasser Mashni used dehumanising language at the event, referring to counterprotesters as “Zionist scumbags.”
- A directions hearing is set for March 25 to consider orders; Tayeh says he will appeal, Jewish groups welcomed the ruling, and the plaintiff seeks an apology, future‑conduct restraints and a $20,000 charitable payment.