Darwin man charged over alleged ‘Islamophobic’ incident involving threats to family, guns seized

A Darwin man has been charged with Commonwealth offences and his guns seized following an alleged act of “Islamophobia”, where he is accused of making threats against a pregnant woman and her family.

The man, 53, is alleged to have made racially-motivated threats against another man, his pregnant wife and their young child on June 7 in the Northern Territory capital.

NT Police on Tuesday arrested him and charged him with two Commonwealth offences.

He was charged with two counts of threatening force or violence against a person due to a protected group status causing fear to that group.

As part of the investigation, police also seized the man’s guns and suspended his firearms licence.

The man has been released on bail and will front Darwin Local Court on October 1.

Acting Commander Robert Griffiths, of NT Police, said the alleged conduct of targeting people or families because of their race, faith or social background would not be tolerated.

“This is unacceptable (alleged) conduct in the community. Every person has the right to go about their daily lives and spend time with their families without fear, intimidation or persecution,” he said.

“No one should be targeted because of who they are, what they believe, or where they come from.”

Originally published as Darwin man charged over alleged ‘Islamophobic’ incident involving threats to family, guns seized