African community leaders to go on patrol with police amid fears of Australia Day violence

MELBOURNE’S African com­munity leaders will join police on patrol at public events where right-wing groups plan to party on Australia Day, amid fears celebrations could be marred by racial violence.

MELBOURNE’S African com­munity leaders will join police on patrol at public events where right-wing groups plan to party on Australia Day, amid fears celebrations could be marred by racial violence.

It comes as Sudanese and Somali leaders who publicly backed a joint police and community taskforce to address youth crime have copped a barrage of vile hate mail and death threats.

Some local councils will have boosted security at public events, with Victoria Police warning abuse is criminal and will not be tolerated.

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African community leaders Ahmed Hassan, Kot Monoah and Richard Deng say they will not be intimidated by racists. Picture: Jay Town

Ahmed Hassan, the youngest to go public with police at the announcement of a taskforce this month, said it was time to send a message to racists.

“I’m not going to let the community cop it,” Mr Hassan said. “We will not be intimidated.”

Police are investigating after Mr Hassan and other community leaders received threatening phone calls and harassment over social media.

South Sudanese Community Association chairman Kot Monoah said patrols would focus on the St Kilda foreshore.

“What we don’t want is innocent people being victimised,” Mr Monoah said.

“It could be young people hanging out at the beach and they are set upon by right-wing extremists who want to flex their muscles.”

Police and African community leaders will be on patrol at St Kilda beach on Australia Day. Picture: David Crosling

Volunteers would also look to curb anti-social behaviour by African youths.

“Their behaviour itself could attract the wrong attention, which can cause harm,” Mr Monoah said.

He said leaders would not be deterred by harassment as they worked on solutions to tackle youth crime.

“I know Australia is welcoming — it is a nation built by many races,” Mr Monoah said.

“My message to (offenders) is ... the world is about coexistence, appreciating our differences, working together on problems — if youth issues are a problem, bring your solutions to the table.”

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Ahmed Hassan, Kot Monoah and Richard Deng will go on patrol.

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Controversial so-called “patriot” groups have gatherings planned amid ongoing debate over youth crime and calls to change the date of Australia Day.

Police spokeswoman Danielle Fleeton said police were aware African-Australians had been subjected to threats and she called on the public to report “hate” crimes.

“Victoria Police takes racism very seriously and will not tolerate any act of violence that is targeted at a person due to their ethnicity, religion or race,” Ms Fleeton said.

“We are working closely with those affected to ensure that they receive the appropriate support required.”

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