Melbourne 'Gaza Defender' accused of kidnapping, torturing employee of Jew

Australian media report that Laura Allam, a 28-year-old activist from Melbourne known for her anti-Israel and pro-Gaza campaigns, has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and torturing a 31-year-old man.

The attack on the man, according to published reports, stemmed from his employment with a Jewish employer.

The incident reportedly occurred on the evening of Friday, February 16, in the St Albans area on the north-western outskirts of Melbourne.

Investigators state that the man was forcibly removed from his car, coerced into another vehicle at gunpoint, robbed, beaten, and subsequently released in Braybrook.

The victim sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Authorities have charged two individuals with assault and kidnapping. Unofficial sources suggest that Laura Allam and her 37-year-old accomplice are among those charged.

They have been released on bail and are scheduled to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on May 31, 2024.

Hailing from Melbourne's Lebanese community, Laura Allam has used social media platforms to advocate for "revenge for the martyrs in Jenin and Gaza."

She boasts tens of thousands of followers on Instagram and X.