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Kidnap trial set in high-profile case involving Melbourne Palestinian activists

A trial date has been set in the high-profile kidnapping and assault case involving three Palestinian activists accused of abducting a man in Melbourne’s west last year.

One day committal for human rights advocate Laura Allam who allegedly orchestrated the kidnapping and torture of a man with coaccused Mohammad Sharab. Ibrahim Al Azhari and Laura Allam leave court. Picture: Jake Nowakowski
One day committal for human rights advocate Laura Allam who allegedly orchestrated the kidnapping and torture of a man with coaccused Mohammad Sharab. Ibrahim Al Azhari and Laura Allam leave court. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

A trial date has been set for the high-profile kidnapping and assault case against three Palestine activists in Melbourne.

The triple co-accused activists, Laura Allam, Mohammad Sharab and Ibrahim Al-Azhari will stand trial in Melbourne’s County Court in April next year.

The trio appeared in the County Court on Monday and are accused of kidnapping and assaulting 31-year-old engineer Nemer Abusamha in Melbourne’s west on February 16, 2024.

All three have pleaded not guilty over alleged kidnapping, common law assault, unlawful assault by kicking and unlawful assault at committal hearings in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Mohammad Sharab outside Melbourne Magistrates' Court after facing a committal hearing on alleged kidnapping charges. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw
Mohammad Sharab outside Melbourne Magistrates' Court after facing a committal hearing on alleged kidnapping charges. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

A 15 to 17 day trial was set for April 13.

It’s alleged Mr Abusamha was pulled from a car near an intersection in Melbourne’s west before allegedly being placed in another car, assaulted and robbed before being released west of Melbourne’s CBD.

Mohammad Alfares

Mohammad Alfares is a journalist based in the Melbourne bureau of The Australian, where he covers breaking news, politics, legal affairs, and religious issues. He began filming and editing homemade 'productions' as a child — an early sign of his future in journalism. He holds a Bachelor of Communication from Massey University in New Zealand and began his career in broadcast news before transitioning to print. Outside the newsroom, Mohammad is an avid fisherman and adrenaline-seeker. When he’s not chasing a big catch, he enjoys unwinding with a good coffee, fresh air, and a ride on his motorbike.

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/kidnap-trial-set-in-highprofile-case-involving-melbourne-palestinian-activists/news-story/4bc0edadafbc298a91faa2d182e0dfe9