WIMMERA police have warned the region’s residents that racial or religious vilification will not be tolerated in the wake of Monday night’s Sydney siege.
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Two hostages and gunman Man Haron Moris were killed following a 16-hour standoff with police at the Lindt Cafe in Martin Place.
Acting Inspector Brendan Broadbent said police were investigating an incident linked to racial vilification in Horsham.
He said he wanted to remind Wimmera residents that police would fully enforce laws related to racism and religious intolerance.
‘‘We want to reassure all communities, including faith communities, and all races within our community they are fully supported by Victoria Police,’’ he said.
Acting Insp Broadbent said police were committed to creating and maintaining a peaceful and harmonious region.
‘‘Racial and religious vilification laws will be enforced to the fullest if people do overstep and breach the laws,’’ he said.
The Sydney siege sparked a social media campaign featuring the hashtag #illridewithyou, designed to counter a potential backlash against Muslims.
Acting Insp Broadbent said although he did not perceive racial or religious vilification to be problems in the Wimmera, he wanted to reassure people of all backgrounds that police would act if they became aware of any incidents.
He said racial and religious vilification was motivated by hatred, revulsion and ridicule.
‘‘A lot of it comes down to lack of understanding and lack of communication,’’ he said.
‘‘Serious racial and religious vilification occurs when a person intentionally behaves in a way that encourages that hatred, revulsion and ridicule.’’
Acting Insp Broadbent said the laws extended to online.
He said police would act if they became aware of vilification on Facebook or other platforms.
‘‘The laws cover the use of the internet or email to publish or transmit statements,’’ he said.
‘‘People jumping on social media can also be charged with breaching the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act.’’
Acting Insp Broadbent said threatening or inciting physical harm against a person or their property because of their race or religion was a serious offence.
He said victims of racial or religious vilification should be assertive but not aggressive.
‘‘Stay calm and if the situation escalates, yell to create attention, call for police and create some distance between the victim and the danger by running to safety,’’ he said.
Acting Insp Broadbent said people could call police on triple zero.
He said people could also lodge civil complaints and could contact the Human Rights Commission for more information.
