Sydney, February 5: A 19-year-old from Sydney has been charged with allegedly threatening to kill Israeli President Isaac Herzog. This threat was made just before Herzog’s scheduled visit to Australia.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) reported that the young man was arrested on Wednesday and faces charges for making online threats against a foreign head of state.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the threat was directed at President Herzog, who is set to arrive in Australia for a five-day visit on Sunday. The federal government extended the invitation following an anti-Semitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.
The AFP stated that its newly established National Security Investigation (NSI) team began investigating the alleged threat against Herzog on a social media platform in January.
On Wednesday, police executed a search warrant at a residence where the suspect was apprehended. He has since been charged with making threats to kill online, which could result in a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
Reports indicate that significant protests from pro-Palestinian groups are anticipated during Herzog’s visit to Australia.
Chris Sidoti, a prominent human rights lawyer in Australia, told ABC that Herzog should be arrested upon arrival, citing his alleged promotion of genocide. Sidoti previously served as a commissioner for a United Nations independent inquiry into the occupied Palestinian territories.
A September report from an independent international investigation committee stated that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
In response to these comments, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong informed ABC Radio that the government sought legal advice regarding its responsibilities under international law before inviting Herzog for the visit.
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