Racist Attack on Imam Prompts Swift Police Action in Victoria

Published: 12 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Three arrests were made after a racist attack targeted a Muslim religious leader in Victoria. Imam Ismet Purdic and his wife were allegedly forced from their car and assaulted along a Melbourne freeway, leaving the couple with significant trauma. Police confirmed the incident occurred on Saturday evening along the South Gippsland Highway, where three occupants of a small black hatchback racially abused the couple before violently confronting them at a nearby service station. The racist attack has drawn condemnation from political leaders and religious organisations across Australia.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina Islamic Society in Noble Park reported the couple suffered profound psychological trauma after being threatened and physically attacked. Imam Purdic has served the community for over 12 years, working as a religious leader, educator, and interfaith advocate. In a statement, the society expressed gratitude that the couple’s children were not present, highlighting the emotional impact of the assault on the family. “Imam Purdic has dedicated his life to promoting peace, coexistence, and mutual respect through the Interfaith Network Dandenong,” the statement said.

Police allege the offenders drove dangerously to intimidate the imam and his wife, later exiting their vehicle to throw objects and punch the religious leader. Members of the public intervened before the suspects could return to their vehicle and flee the scene. Authorities confirmed that the trio was apprehended in Dandenong South the following day.

The arrested individuals include a 23-year-old man from Cranbourne North, a 22-year-old man from Cranbourne East, and an 18-year-old woman from Dandenong South. The two men face charges of criminal damage and common law assault, with one remanded in custody and the other granted bail to appear at Dandenong Magistrates Court on 22 May. The woman has been released pending summons. Victorian police emphasised that religiously motivated hate crimes will not be tolerated, and offenders will face the full extent of the law.

Premier Jacinta Allan publicly condemned the racist attack, affirming her support for Victoria’s Muslim community. “There is no place for Islamophobia or hate anywhere in Victoria,” she stated. Allan underscored the importance of safety and dignity for all residents, particularly for Muslim women who may feel especially vulnerable to targeted attacks. She confirmed she had spoken directly with Imam Purdic and his wife, expressing solidarity and reassurance on behalf of the state government.

The Australian National Imams Council described the incident as a “cowardly attack” and highlighted the severe psychological impact on the victims. Council representatives emphasised that no family in Australia should fear for their safety based solely on faith or appearance. Imam Purdic, in a Facebook post, thanked the public for messages of support, saying he and his family were coping and grateful for the community’s care. The racist attack has sparked broader discussions about Islamophobia and its impact on multicultural communities in Victoria.

Community leaders echoed calls for unity and vigilance against religious hatred. The incident has prompted renewed discussions about the prevalence of Islamophobia in Australia and the need for stronger public education and awareness campaigns. Experts suggest that addressing such incidents requires not only legal enforcement but also ongoing efforts to promote cultural understanding and respect across diverse communities. Imam Purdic’s longstanding role as an educator and mediator highlights the critical importance of maintaining open dialogue and building trust between communities, particularly in areas that have experienced heightened tension or incidents of racial abuse.

As Victoria confronts the repercussions of this racist attack, the incident underscores the broader societal challenge of combating hate-driven behaviour. Religious leaders and civic organisations continue to advocate for policies that protect individuals from targeted violence while fostering inclusive environments where diversity is respected. Ongoing public engagement, community monitoring, and educational programmes are cited as key measures to mitigate future risks and support victims of hate-based crimes.

Victoria’s Muslim community and wider society have responded with solidarity, reinforcing shared values of tolerance and mutual respect. The incident has sparked dialogue across civic, political, and religious spheres, highlighting the urgent need to confront hate-driven acts and ensure that all residents, regardless of background, can live without fear. Imam Purdic’s ongoing recovery and the public support he has received illustrate resilience and the critical role of communal care in addressing the consequences of violent, racially motivated attacks.

Check our latest news