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What was claimed
The brand new anti-Islamophobia envoy can prosecute anybody who insults Islam on social media.
Our verdict
False. The function doesn’t have the authorized energy to provoke legal proceedings.
The brand new anti-Islamophobia envoy can prosecute Australians who insult Islam on-line, social media customers declare. That is false. The function is advisory and doesn’t have the facility to pursue legal proceedings in opposition to individuals.
Albanese stood beside antisemitism envoy. Journalists weren’t even invited to Islamophobia envoy launch
The Australian authorities introduced on September 30 that it had appointed Aftab Malik within the new function of particular envoy to fight Islamophobia, almost three months after asserting an envoy for combating antisemitism.
Some incorrect claims have unfold on social media concerning the nature of the brand new function and its powers.
“Aftab Malik has been appointed by Albanese to police our speech and prosecute anybody who dares say a unfavorable phrase about Islam,” the picture in a single Fb publish stated.
“He’s on half one million per yr. He’ll troll social media and convey legal prosecution to anybody who dares insult his prophet.”
AAP FactCheck discovered what seems to be the unique publish on X, previously Twitter, from September 30, which has greater than 2,500 likes and 80,000 views.
The function comprises no authorized powers to allow Malik to prosecute individuals or deliver prosecutions in a courtroom of legislation. He merely has the identical powers as every other Australian to report legal offences.
Professor Luke McNamara, from the UNSW College of Legislation and Justice, advised AAP FactCheck the declare is fake.
“The Islamophobia envoy (identical to the antisemitism envoy) has no energy to prosecute or begin authorized proceedings of any kind,” he stated.
Professor Karima Laachir, director of the ANU Centre for Arab and Islamic Research, advised AAP FactCheck the function is a symbolic one.
“There are already present legal guidelines and laws that prohibit hate speech in any type, and it contains discrimination and racism in opposition to Muslims,” she stated.
“It’s extra like an advisory, symbolic function that the purpose is to work with grassroots communities in Australia and see how we are able to collectively fight the rise of Islamophobia by varied means and strategies.”
Laachir added that the envoy will probably work with the antisemitism envoy to handle points arising from the battle within the Center East.
Who’s Labor’s new anti-Islamophobia envoy?
The Division of Residence Affairs additionally confirmed to AAP FactCheck that the particular envoy is an advisory function and Malik doesn’t have a legislation enforcement mandate to pursue legal prosecutions.
“Mr Malik will advise the prime minister and the minister for dwelling Affairs, immigration and multicultural affairs, and cyber safety, and help the federal government to fight Islamophobia,” a division spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson added that Malik will accomplish that “by taking a look at and addressing drivers of the behaviour throughout on-line and social media, conventional media, and inside schooling, arts, tradition and trade sectors”.
The posts additionally declare Malik will probably be paid $500,000 a yr.
When requested by AAP FactCheck whether or not this was right, the division was not ready to offer a particular determine, however the spokesperson stated the pay is commensurate with their expertise and expertise and in line with the 2024 remuneration tribunal willpower.
The decision
False. The declare is inaccurate.
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