Man denied parole a second time over anti-Israel graffiti despite judge’s scathing critique of case
A Sydney man has been denied parole for a second time following a conviction for vandalism involving anti-Israel graffiti. Despite a Supreme Court judge labeling the case a potential miscarriage of justice and dismissing terrorism-related concerns, authorities maintain the offender's actions were driven by extremist ideology.
Why it matters
The case highlights a significant legal tension between judicial interpretations of political speech and the administrative power of parole authorities in handling perceived extremist threats.
One of the cars was vandalised in November 2024 in Woollahra in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Photograph: The Guardian One of the cars was vandalised in November 2024 in Woollahra in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Photograph: The Guardian New South Wales Man denied parole a second time over anti-Israel graffiti despite judge’s scathing critique of case NSW parole authority says Mohommed Farhat followed ‘extremist ideology of antisemitic character’ while separately judge ruled ‘Fuk Israel’ was ‘political comment’
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Prefer the Guardian on Google A Sydney man convicted of writing “Fuk Israel” on cars and setting another vehicle alight has had his release on parole rejected a second time, despite a supreme court judge stating the case appeared to be a “serious miscarriage of justice”.
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