Australian authorities have charged a 31-year-old man with terrorism after he allegedly attempted to throw a homemade explosive device into a crowd at an Indigenous rights protest in Perth last month. The device did not detonate and no injuries were reported, but officials described the incident as a serious threat to public safety and an act motivated by racist ideology.
The charge marks the first time this specific offence has been applied in Western Australia, and the man will remain in custody ahead of his next court appearance as authorities continue their investigation.
The man is in custody right now and will go back to court on Feb 17. Police said if he is found guilty, he could get life sentence. The WA Premier Roger Cook stated that the attack was motivated by hateful ideology, targeted Aboriginal people and other peaceful protesters, called it shocking and said it must be condemned. The Indigenous Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said attacks on First Nations Australians are attacks on everyone, all Australians, people should protest without fear, no place for hate, intimidation, racism.
The counterterrorism team said proving terrorism is tricky, they have to show it could cause serious harm, that it was political/religious/ideological, and meant to scare government or public. This explains why such changes are hard to bring about, they stated.
Indigenous people still face inequality in healthcare, schools, prisons, and racism. Last year a 15-year-old Noongar boy, Cassius Turvey, got killed after being attacked walking home, this increases fear among the people
This attempted bombing shocked the community, authorities are taking it in a serious manner and are still investigating, people are also worried about safety at protests, but laws will address such issues and the Man will faces full legal consequences.
Source: Aljazeera News