Hash Tayeh fronts court over alleged ‘Zionists are terrorists’ remark as police seek further charges

Melbourne’s most prominent pro-Palestinian activist Hash Tayeh allegedly declared ‘all Zionists are terrorists’ at a rally. Police have moved to charge two others over similar conduct | WATCH

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Melbourne’s most prominent pro-Palestinian activist, Hash Tayeh, has faced court after allegedly declaring “all Zionists are terrorists” at a rally in May last year, as police move to charge two other men over similar conduct.

The Burgertory restaurant chain boss has claimed that prosecutors initially offered him a plea deal involving eight months’ imprisonment, but the offer was turned down and he will fight the allegations.

Dozens of his supporters, sporting Palestinian keffiyehs, filled the halls at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning as he made his first appearance.

Mr Tayeh appeared before magistrate Tara Hartnett for a brief mention hearing, during which it was revealed Victoria Police was seeking to press further charges against him.

He was represented by Julian Assange’s former barrister, Greg Barns SC, who told the court a further mention hearing would be appropriate.

Hash Tayeh addressing protesters outside the Coburg North Burgertory. Picture: Olivia Jenkins

Victoria Police released two other men on summons in April for allegedly chanting the controversial slogan, with the pair expected to be charged with similar offences.

The Australian has decided not to name the individuals at this stage.

Police confirmed in March that Mr Tayeh had been charged under Section 17(1) of the state’s Summary Offences Act – which prohibits profane, indecent or obscene language – for allegedly saying “all Zionists are terrorists” at pro-Palestinian rallies.

If proven, the crime is punishable with two months’ prison for the first ­offence, three months for the second, and six months for three or more.

Fronting the media outside court, a defiant Mr Tayeh said the legal action against him had provided his community “a platform to expose the truth and to show the world the ugly face of the Zionist ideology”.

“We will not cower. We will not be intimidated,” he said. “We must win this case and, by the will of God, we will win this case.”

His first appearance in court comes after he launched a scathing attack on Victoria Police and prosecutors, accusing them of acting on behalf of “corrupt” political interests in an impassioned speech at a rally in Melbourne on Sunday.

Speaking to a large crowd, Mr Tayeh said he was charged for “speaking the truth” after criticising Zionism and warned that authorities were trying to make an example of him and fellow activists.

“When the prosecutors came to me, they offered me a deal and said, you should plead guilty and do eight months in jail, and this will all go away very quickly,” he said.

“They were not offering a deal. They were issuing a threat to every single person that dares to speak for Palestine.”

Turning his attention to the police, Mr Tayeh accused officers of betraying their duty by acting at the behest of unnamed “lobby” groups.

“Listen carefully, Victoria Police, we will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced. Truth does not kneel, and justice does not fear handcuffs,” he said.

The matter was adjourned until June 24 for a further mention hearing.