is far-left terrorism a growing concern?
Australian authorities are investigating an arson attack on a defense manufacturer as a potential act of far-left terrorism. The incident, linked to anarchist ideology, marks a shift in focus for security agencies previously concerned primarily with right-wing extremism.
Why it matters
This represents a potential escalation in domestic political violence and a shift in how law enforcement categorizes ideologically motivated property damage.
A grainy image shows an alleged arsonist in an attack on a Melbourne defence manufacturer. Supplied: AFP https://theconversation.com/an-attack-motivated-by-anarchist-and-revolutionary-ideology-is-far-left-terrorism-a-growing-concern-289137 https://theconversation.com/an-attack-motivated-by-anarchist-and-revolutionary-ideology-is-far-left-terrorism-a-growing-concern-289137 Link copied Share article Share article
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At 3:55am on July 5 last year, an anonymous five-person cell allegedly committed an attack at Lovitt Technologies – a Victorian defence manufacturer.
Now, Australian authorities have announced they are investigating it as a possible act of far-left terrorism, “motivated by anarchist and revolutionary ideology”.
In Australia, serious damage to property or risk to health and safety of the public can be considered a terrorist act .
Authorities have been concerned about right-wing terrorism for some years. News reports suggest it is the first time a left-wing attack has been investigated as a potential act of terror, and it may pose a growing risk in Australia.
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