
AUSTRALIA - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his government will crack down on hate speech following Sunday's deadly shooting at Bondi...

Beach that targeted a Jewish festival. Fifteen people were killed when two gunmen opened fire at an event to mark the first day of Hanukkah. New laws will target "those who spread hate, division and radicalisation", Albanese told reporters in Canberra. The home affairs minister will also be given new powers to cancel or refuse visas for those who spread hate and a new taskforce will be set up to ensure the education system "prevents, tackles and properly responds to antisemitism".
The new laws will also include penalties for preachers and leaders who promote violence, a new federal offence of "aggravated hate speech", and the introduction of "hate" as an aggravating factor in sentencing crimes for online threats and harassment. "Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected for the contribution that they make to our great nation," Albanese said.
"The terrorists, inspired by ISIS... sought to turn Australians against each other. Australians have responded to that act of hatred with love and sympathy for those in mourning." Tensions have been high in the country since the shooting, with police detaining seven men in southwest Sydney on Thursday after receiving a tip that a "violent act was possibly being planned", New South Wales Police said in a statement. Police said they did not identify "any connection" to their investigation into Sunday's attack in Bondi. Two cars were "intercepted" at George Street, police said. In videos shared by local media sites, armed officers appeared to detain people on the street just hours after Albanese made his speech. Antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal, who also spoke at the press conference, said the country was "at a very important moment not only for our community, but for fighting antisemitism around the world." (BBC)

