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NSW Police Probe Big Banana Anti-Israel Graffiti as Suspected Hate Speech

Police test NSW’s tougher hate-speech powers on a high-profile vandalism case.

Overview

  • The Coffs Harbour landmark, defaced early Sunday with “F** Israel” and a Palestinian flag, is being examined under the state’s public incitement offence.
  • Investigators asked witnesses and drivers with dash-cam video from about 1am to 4am Sunday to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
  • Superintendent Joanne Schultz urged people to remove and not repost photos of the graffiti because sharing them could expose users under the broad legislation.
  • Convictions under the new offence have been rare since it took effect in August, with only two cases succeeding and other high-profile speech judged below the threshold.
  • NSW leaders condemned the message as antisemitic, and the law that carries up to two years in prison or an $11,000 fine was strengthened in December after the Bondi attack.