Name: Imam, wife assaulted in alleged racist attack in Melbourne
Uploaded: 2026-01-12T06:54:11.558Z
Duration: 1 min 56 s
Description: A 47-year-old imam and his wife were targeted in an alleged roadside racist attack in Melbourne. Police say a trio of men, who have been arrested, were yelling slurs at him during the attack.

A 47-year-old imam and his wife were targeted in an alleged roadside racist attack in Melbourne. Police say a trio of men, who have been arrested, were yelling slurs at him during the attack.

Melbourne

A 47-year-old imam, Dr Ismet Perdiç, and his wife were subjected to an alleged racist attack in Melbourne, during which their car was damaged and the imam was physically assaulted. Police reported that racial abuse was directed at the couple, and three individuals have since been arrested, with two men charged and a woman released pending summons.

The incident has drawn condemnation from political leaders and Islamic organisations, who highlight a rise in Islamophobia following the Bondi terror attack. Community leaders have called for action to prevent further hate crimes and ensure public safety for all.

Imam, wife assaulted in alleged racist attack in Melbourne

Alleged roadside racism. A car door kicked in twice. The 47-year-old imam being targeted doesn't take a backwards step. One of his alleged attackers lands a punch and quickly scampers away. Good Samaritans intervene, and after 90 seconds the trio take off in their black hatchback. Police say they've been hurling racial abuse at the imam and his wife. What are you doing? What are you doing? This is very terrible and very, very bad experience for me and my wife. The 47-year-old imam is Dr Ismet Perdiç. He had to go to hospital to get his injuries checked but was okay to return to his mosque in Noble Park today. He's grateful his kids weren't in the car at the time. There is no words to describe that and I don't know what to say. He met Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt. Good to see you. I hope you're okay. I appreciate your support. How is your wife? Premier Jacinta Allen spoke with Dr Perdiç earlier today. It was a terrible, hateful attack and there is no place for Islamophobia, no place for this sort of hate anywhere in Victoria. Three people were arrested over the attack. A 23-year-old man and a 22-year-old man have been charged with criminal damage and common law assault. An 18-year-old woman was released pending summon. Multiple Islamic organisations say these allegations are just one example of escalating Islamophobia. They've experienced a huge spike in abuse targeted at Muslims since the Bondi terror attack almost a month ago. I'd like to take this opportunity to call out politicians who have been using this Bondi incident to create hatred. They are happening a lot, they are on the rise and there definitely has to be some work to try to minimise or prevent these. So we can all walk and drive the streets in peace. Rory Campbell, 10 News.

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