Sydney, February 5: A 19-year-old from Sydney has been charged with allegedly threatening to kill Israeli President Isaac Herzog ahead of his visit to Australia. The threat was reportedly made prior to Herzog’s scheduled trip.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced that the teenager was arrested on Wednesday and is facing charges for making threats against a foreign head of state online.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the threat was directed at President Herzog, who is set to arrive in Australia on Sunday for a five-day visit, following an invitation from the federal government. This invitation was extended in light of a recent anti-Semitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.
The AFP stated that its newly formed 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 teenager was apprehended. He has since been charged with making threats to kill via online means, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
Reports indicate that significant protests from pro-Palestinian groups are expected 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 has previously served as a commissioner for a UN 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 told ABC Radio that the government sought legal advice regarding its responsibilities under international law before inviting Herzog for the visit.
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