Victorian Jewish MP calls for police to investigate Mohammad Sharab after rant against America

A Victorian Jewish MP has called on the AFP to investigate a pro-Palestinian activist who called for the death of America and Israel during a rant outside Melbourne’s US embassy.

A Victorian Jewish MP has called on police to investigate a pro-Palestinian activist who called for the death of America and other western countries during a protest in Melbourne this week.

Deputy Liberal leader David Southwick on Wednesday referred Mohammad Sharab, who is already on bail for unrelated kidnapping charges, to both Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police.

The Herald Sun has obtained footage of Mr Sharab delivering a six-minute rant to a crowd of protesters outside Melbourne’s US embassy earlier this month.

“When we say death to America and death to Israel. We say death to the colony, death to the greed, death to the terrorism of the United States,” he said.

“It is called the United Terrorist States of America. That’s what they are united for. They are united for terrorism, for killing, for genocide and for stolen lands.”

Deputy Liberal leader David Southwick has referred Mohammad Sharab to both Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police.

Mr Sharab, who was wearing a keffiyeh and a hat in the colours of the Palestinian flag, vowed to “pass the message of resistance”.

“We are rising against the colony … I say bring back the armed resistance. I say give America what it deserves – death,” he said.

“We might not have the numbers but we have the consciousness and the will to keep rising up to come up and put an end to this colony.

“The colony will fall. The USA will fall. Israel will fall. Germany will fall. France will fall. The UK will fall. All those colonies will fall. We will keep passing on the message. We will keep passing the message of resistance.

“We are the people. Power to the people.”

Mr Southwick requested Australian Federal Police commissioner Reece Kershaw investigate whether Mr Sharab’s comments were a breach of both state and Commonwealth anti-vilification, anti-incitement or anti-terrorism laws.

Mr Sharab during a protest in the city.

Mr Southwick said the anti-hate laws were in place for a reason.

“Everyone has a right to feel safe in their own state, which is why this needs to be dealt with immediately,” he said.

“Right now, we are seeing violence, hatred, and the glorification of terrorists tear our community apart.

“We can either act now, or stand by and watch as our society crumbles.”

Mr Sharab has previously been filmed lighting the Israeli flag on fire.

In other videos shared to his Instagram, Mr Sharab also indicated support for Hamas.

“Long live the resistance, long live f****** Hamas,” he said in one video obtained by the Herald Sun.

As revealed by the Herald Sun last month, Mr Sharab has also been repeatedly wearing the Hamas logo which in some circumstances is illegal under federal law.

The Criminal Code bans the display of a terrorist organisation symbol in a public place in certain circumstances, with a penalty of 12 months imprisonment.

Mr Sharab seen wearing the Hamas emblem at a rally at Federation Square. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Hamas was listed a terrorist organisation “in its entirety” by the Australian government in March 2022.

The terrorist logo has also been repeatedly worn by a series of protesters, including a masked photographer and by a group of drummers at pro-Palestine rallies in Melbourne.

The AFP last month told the Herald Sun it would act if it saw offences being committed.

“The AFP is aware of continuing protests and physical demonstrations used to amplify the messaging of extremist groups, including use of gestures,” a spokesman said.

“The community can be assured that law enforcement remains alert to these protests and activities closely, and if there is evidence of criminal activity, such as the incitement or urging of violence, law enforcement – including the AFP – will act.”

Originally published as Victorian Jewish MP calls for police to investigate Mohammad Sharab after rant against America