Key Takeaways:
- A Queensland Police Service (QPS) employee, Muamer Nukic, has been charged with 41 counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offense due to alleged antisemitic online posts and comments.
- Nukic, a self-proclaimed anti-Zionist, posted offensive comments on multiple social media platforms between February 2024 and January 2026.
- The posts were described as "persistent" and "menacing" by the police prosecutor, and included comments in response to a picture of a child killed in the Bondi terror attack.
- Nukic’s lawyer argued that most of the posts did not amount to criminal offending and were protected by free speech.
- Nukic has been granted bail and has no prior criminal history, having been employed with the QPS for 25 years.
Introduction to the Case
A Queensland Police Service (QPS) employee has been granted bail in a Brisbane court after being charged with 41 counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offense. The charges stem from alleged antisemitic online posts and comments made by Muamer Nukic, a 50-year-old QPS Protective Services Group employee. The case has sparked concern and outrage, with many calling for greater accountability and action against hate speech and online harassment.
The Allegations Against Nukic
The court heard that Nukic, a self-proclaimed anti-Zionist, posted offensive comments on multiple social media platforms between February 2024 and January 2026. The posts were described as "persistent" and "menacing" by police prosecutor Matt Kahler, who argued that they were "very antisemitic" and "publicly available". One of the comments was made in response to a picture of a child killed in the Bondi terror attack, with Nukic allegedly commenting "fk you and fk Israel". The prosecution argued that Nukic’s comments were not only offensive but also harassing and menacing to members of the community.
Defense Arguments
Nukic’s lawyer, Emma Kearney, argued that her client held "pro-Palestinian views" and had made "problematic comments", but most of them did not amount to criminal offending. She claimed that many of the posts did not reach the threshold required for the offense to succeed, as they were not objectively offensive. Kearney also pointed out that Nukic had no prior criminal history and had been employed with the QPS for 25 years. Additionally, she highlighted that Nukic had migrated to Australia from Bosnia in 1993 and had been held in a Serbian concentration camp, which may have influenced his views and behavior.
Police Response and Statement
The Queensland Police Service has informed the public of the allegations against Nukic, stating that it is committed to "high standards of behaviour, transparency and accountability". The service emphasized that the allegations against Nukic have not been substantiated and that everyone in Queensland has a right to feel safe. The QPS also reiterated its commitment to community safety and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds to foster relationships and build community engagement. The service noted that instances of serious vilification and hate crime are a criminal matter in Queensland and will be investigated and prosecuted accordingly.
Conclusion and Implications
The case against Muamer Nukic highlights the importance of addressing online hate speech and harassment, particularly when it involves public figures or individuals in positions of authority. The QPS’s decision to make the allegations public demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability, and serves as a reminder that such behavior will not be tolerated. The outcome of the case will be closely watched, and it is likely to have implications for the way that online hate speech is addressed in Queensland and beyond. As the community continues to grapple with the issues of online harassment and hate speech, it is essential that individuals and organizations prioritize education, awareness, and action to prevent such behavior and promote a culture of respect and inclusivity.