The Liberal Party’s Rami Abdallah back in court over ‘violent offence’
THE Liberal Party’s Rami Abdallah was back in court this morning charged with what police described as a ‘violent offence’ relating to the Arncliffe cafe brawl.
Southern Courier
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A LIBERAL Party member was back in court this morning over an alleged “violent” assault at the Arncliffe cafe brawl.
Rami Abdallah was before Sutherland Local Court for the short hearing in relation to the incident on June 18.
He was ordered to appear again on September 18, along with his co-accused Mohammed Reda.
Mr Abdallah, 48, of Arncliffe, is accused of assaulting Mena Goubran between 6.46pm and 8pm on the evening of June 18.
As part of his bail conditions he has to report to police every Friday and must remain in his home between 7pm and 6am each night.
He has also been forced to hand in his passport and is banned from international travel.
He must not contact Mena Goubran, anyone who may be asked to give evidence or his co-accused, Mohammed Reda.
He is also barred from entering Naji’s cafe, where the alleged assault took place.
The cafe is owned by Bayside Liberal councillor Michael Nagi. Mr Abdallah has in the past campaigned for Mr Nagi.
As part of his bail application police noted that Mr Abdallah has a dependent spouse and children. The application also alleges that the offence was of a violent nature and that there are independent witnesses.
Court documents show Mr Abdallah has attempted to remove a number of the bail conditions, including the ban on entering Naji’s cafe and international travel. However, this was not successful.
Mr Abdallah is a Liberal Party member and principal at Prestige Property Group real estate firm in Arncliffe. He is the former president of Rockdale City Chamber of Commerce and has been involved in politics for a number of years.
In 2012 he stood unsuccessfully as an independent for Rockdale City Council.
It is understood he wanted to stand for Liberals in the elections for the newly formed Bayside Council but missed out on selection to Ron Bezic, who is a Liberal councillor for Bexley ward on Bayside Council.
It is alleged the Arncliffe meeting on June 18 descended into violence when two warring factions of the Bayside Liberals group gathered for a controversial vote.
His co-accused Mohammed Reda, of Arncliffe, appeared in court last week charged with actual bodily harm, assaulting a female officer in the execution of their duty and resisting the officer in the execution of her duty.
The 27-year-old pleaded not guilty and will appear again in September.
Police alleged he assaulted Remone Gorgio causing actual bodily harm. They also claim he assaulted police officer Sergeant Joanne Dawson.
Court documents show that police are looking at possible religious and gender bias as the motive behind the alleged offences.
Police and Liberal Party investigations into the Arncliffe incident continue.