A Sydney Palestinian activist has been arrested and charged with “inciting violence” against politicians on social media. For a tweet. What’s the scam?
On January 20, Theo Nolan-Isles tweeted an offer of a free beer to anyone who “intentionally causes physical pain to any politician who voted Aye to the passage of the ‘Combating Antisemitism’ hate speech bill”. While not directly inciting violence, but perhaps condoning it – albeit in jest – Theo is nevertheless in jail.
In May 2024, Zionist David Wise was charged and found guilty of placing a bomb on Theo’s car because he was offended by the display of a Palestinian flag. The man had also directly threatened Theo, “Enough! Take down flag! One chance!!!!”
Despite the obvious connotations, the perpetrator was not charged under the Terrorism Act. Both Theo and the bomb maker were charged with “using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend and encouraging the commission of crimes.”
MWM does not condone inciting violence of any kind and recognises that doing so is in bad taste. We also recognise that bomb-planting and offering free beer are different acts.
Botany bomb arrest. Sydney man charged for threats against Theo for flying Palestinian flag