‘Viral outrage’: Nurse’s lawyer hits out at “trial by social media” after anti-Semitic charges laid

The lawyer for a Sydney nurse charged with threatening to kill Israeli patients has criticised political leaders for convicting her client before charges were even laid.

The lawyer for a Sydney nurse charged with threatening to kill Israeli patients says her client deserves better than “a trial by social media” and has called for the influencer at the centre of the storm to be flown to Australia to give evidence in person.

Bankstown Hospital nurse Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, was arrested and charged on Tuesday night for her alleged role in an online video where anti-Semitic threats were made.

Abu Lebdeh and male colleague Ahmad Rashad Nadir were working a night shift on February 11, when they allegedly took part in an online interview with Israeli-based social media influencer Max Veifer.

Just hours after Abu Lebdeh was charged with three Commonwealth offences, her lawyer, Rayan Kadadi, said the nurse had been subjected to “viral outrage” and criticised a the “trial by social media” due to the widespread commentary about the case.

“I think right now it is important to remind everyone that our system in Australia is one where every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Ms Kadadi said.

Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh in the viral video.

“Viral outrage is not a court of law. My client has the right to a fair trial, not a trial by social media.

“My client has been labelled by political leaders as guilty and a criminal before charges were even laid. The application of justice should not be selective. Our leaders ought to know better.”

Footage from the video, which has been widely circulated online, allegedly shows the two nurses making vile threats towards Israeli patients while on a conversation with Max Veifer on random chat site Chatruletka.

Ms Kadadi said that while police were claiming Veifer to be a “key witness”, she believed he should have to testify in court if the matter proceeds that far.

“The integrity of our Justice system demands this witness be tested and available in an Australian court of law,” she said.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb praised the efforts of Strike Force Pearl detectives who had to work across time zones with Mr Veifer and overcome language barriers before charges could be laid.

“There has been a lot of work by investigators and support from overseas jurisdictions to get the statement from the influencer and have it converted to English and have it admissible in court,” Ms Webb said.

Detectives have not been able to interview Nadir, who remains in a mental health ward in a western Sydney hospital, but Ms Webb hinted more charges were likely to be laid.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb praised detectives for their efforts. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

Abu Lebdeh allegedly told Mr Veifer: “One day your time will come, and you will die the most horrible death.”

When questioned about how she would respond if an Israeli patient arrived at the hospital, Abu Lebdeh allegedly replied: “I won’t treat them, I will kill them.”

Abu Lebdeh has been charged with threatening violence to a group, using a carriage service to threaten to kill and using carriage service to menace, harass or offend.

She is due to face court on March 19.

A male relative said Abu Lebdeh was “shaken” by the charges.

She must also adhere to strict bail conditions which prevent her using social media, travelling internationally or staying away from her Condell Park home.

“When the time is right, I know she will apologise for any hurt she caused,” the relative said.