A Melbourne woman who attacked two Muslim women, one of whom was pregnant, in a hate-motivated assault is facing several charges.
According to Australian police, a lady was taken into custody in relation to a hate-based assault on two Muslim ladies in the north of Melbourne.
Victoria State police reported Wednesday that the 31-year-old attacker was arrested in connection with last Thursday’s attack in the Pacific Epping district of Melbourne.
Targeted while wearing hijabs were two women: a 26-year-old from Wollert and a 30-year-old pregnant woman from Lalor.
The woman is accused of unlawful assault, aggravated assault, and willful and careless injury.
According to authorities, Islamophobia seems to have been the driving force behind the attacks, which left the victims with serious injuries.
“Discriminatory, racist, or hate-based behavior has no place in our society and will not be tolerated,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman stated.
She also mentioned that they are looking into a claim that one of the victims was the target of online threats.
“Reprehensible”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia denied accusations that Islamophobia was given less attention than anti-Semitism on Wednesday, denouncing a “reprehensible” attack on two Muslim women.
Test cricket player Usman Khawaja has joined the nation’s Muslim community in citing the February 13 event in Melbourne as an illustration of the government’s inadequate response to anti-Muslim threats.
Albanese told reporters that an attack on someone because of their faith was “reprehensible” when asked if the government would have responded more quickly if the event had been anti-Semitic.
“I take all attacks on people on the basis of their faith seriously, and they should all face the full force of the law.”
Earlier this week, Albanese came under fire for his tardiness in denouncing the attack.
