A Melbourne imam and his wife fell victim to a violent Islamophobic attack on January 10, 2026, while driving home along South Gippsland Highway near Dandenong South. Around 7:30 PM, assailants in a black hatchback boxed in their vehicle, hurling anti-Muslim slurs, objects, and threats after spotting the wife's hijab.
The attackers rammed the car, punched Imam Ismet Purdic in the face, and threatened to stab his wife before good Samaritans intervened, forcing them to flee. Victoria Police arrested three suspects: 23-year-old Corey Watson and 22-year-old Ethan Burke, both from Cranbourne, charged with assault and criminal damage, plus 18-year-old Chloe Harris released pending summons.
Muslim leaders, including the Australian National Imams Council, condemned the "cowardly white supremacist hate crime," highlighting rising dangers for visibly Muslim Australians. Imam Purdic, recovering from injuries, called for community unity to preserve peace amid the trauma. Premier Jacinta Allan echoed demands for zero tolerance on hate-motivated violence.
Islamophobic attacks in Australia surged nearly 200% after the Bondi Beach incident, Despite the attacker being stopped by a Muslim bystander.
