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Sydney man charged over posting death threats to Jewish organisation

Following a search warrant at the man’s Blacktown home, AFP officers seized electronic devices and documents.

A 44-year-old Blacktown man has been charged with allegedly posting death threats to a Jewish organisation’s social media page, marking the first arrest under the Australian Federal Police’s (AFP) Special Operation Avalite.

The man was charged today (16 January 2025) with two offences: using a carriage service to make a threat to kill, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, and using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence, with a penalty of up to five years.

Following a search warrant at the man’s Blacktown home, AFP officers seized electronic devices and documents. He was granted watchhouse bail and is set to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on 26 February 2025.

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Image: First charge laid under Special Operation Avalite (Source: AFP)

The AFP alleges the man was linked to a social media account that made the threatening comments towards the Jewish organisation.

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt of the AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command said this case is the first since Special Operation Avalite was launched in December 2024 to tackle high-harm antisemitic behaviour.

“Special Operation Avalite was established to target high-harm, recidivist antisemites,” he said.

“It is abhorrent that individuals are being targeted and threatened because of their race or religion. Antisemites should be on notice: if you engage in antisemitic conduct, you will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

The Australian Jewish Association (AJA), which has been the target of numerous antisemitic threats, praised the AFP and Taskforce Avalite for their swift action. “Today we congratulate them for making their first arrest over an alleged threat against the AJA,” the organisation said, noting that a full media statement would follow.

The taskforce includes 21 AFP officers and analysts experienced in counterterrorism and special investigations. They are focused on crimes such as urging violence against groups, advocating terrorism or genocide, unlawful display of prohibited symbols, and doxxing individuals or groups.

Image: First charge laid under Special Operation Avalite (Source: AFP)

The AFP clarified that Special Operation Avalite works alongside state and territory police to ensure resources are efficiently deployed without duplicating existing antisemitism investigations.

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More charges are expected as investigations continue into other individuals.

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