Police Investigate ‘Disturbing’ Islamophobic Banners Displayed on Melbourne Freeway

IQNA – Authorities in Victoria, Australia, have launched an investigation after groups dressed in black displayed racist and anti-Muslim banners from overpasses along Melbourne’s Monash Freeway on Saturday morning, coinciding with the country’s federal election.

Victoria Police said they were alerted to offensive messages around 9:30 a.m. at several locations near Huntingdale Road, according to SBS News.

Witnesses reported that the individuals involved wore all-black clothing and face coverings and held banners bearing slogans such as “No black votes should count,” “No Muslim votes should count,” and “Only Aussie votes should count.”

Images of the banners were shared with SBS News by a witness who asked to remain anonymous. The individual, an Australian Muslim, called the scenes “disgusting” and described the emotional toll of encountering such messages while driving with children. “Imagine having a little Asian child [or] a Muslim child in the back of a seat just driving with your family... it’s just disturbing,” the witness said.

According to the witness, around 30 people were seen across three different overpasses. Police confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the identities of those involved and whether criminal offences were committed.

Only Australian citizens aged 18 and over are permitted to vote in federal and state elections.

A far-right media outlet associated with white supremacist ideology published an article on the demonstration, stating that members of the National Socialist Network (NSN), a neo-Nazi group, were involved. The report included a quote from NSN figure Joel Davis, though he did not confirm the group’s participation.

Victoria Police said they have not confirmed the NSN’s involvement at this stage and that the matter remains under active investigation.

Source: Agencies