| AFIC STATEMENT REGARDING RECENT PUBLIC CLAIMS CONCERNING MOHAMMED BERJAOUI |
“Public debate must be guided by the court’s findings—not selective claims: truth, accountability and respect are essential to preserving community trust.”
|
AFIC STATEMENT REGARDING RECENT PUBLIC CLAIMS CONCERNING MOHAMMED BERJAOUI
11/09/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l:The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) notes a number of public statements that have been circulated following the recent court proceedings involving Mr Mohammed Berjaoui.
AFIC believes it is important that public discussion be informed by the actual court documents rather than by selective commentary or social media claims.
THE COURT FOUND MR BERJAOUI GUILTY OF COMMON ASSAULT AND MADE A CONDITIONAL RELEASE ORDER FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS AND ALSO SUBJECTED HIM TO AN AVO FOR A PERIOD OF 6 MONTHS.
The court agreed not to record a conviction so that Mr Berjaoui would not lose his job.
The police facts tendered to the Court state that Mr Berjaoui approached Mr Trad, accused him of speaking about his wife, was told that no such remarks had been made, and then struck Mr Trad in the face.
The Court also made a Final Apprehended Personal Violence Order protecting Mr Trad until 6 March 2027. The Order prohibits Mr Berjaoui from assaulting, threatening, stalking, harassing or intimidating Mr Trad and expressly applies to conduct in person, through another person, or through electronic communications and social media.
AFIC further notes that the Court was provided with a written letter of remorse (Apology) from Mr Berjaoui. In that letter, Mr Berjaoui stated:
"I FULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY ACTION WAS WRONG."
and
"I SINCERELY REGRET WHAT OCCURRED."
and
"I ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSING MY COMPOSURE AND ALLOWING MY EMOTIONS TO TAKE CONTROL."
And
“I COMPLETED AN ANGER MANAGEMENT COURSE CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY 6 – 10 SESSIONS, I HAVE ALSO UNDERTAKEN COUNSELLING FOCUSED ON EMOTIONAL REGULATION AND MANAGING CONFLICT.”
These statements formed part of the material placed before the Court in mitigation.
AFIC is therefore concerned by subsequent public commentary portraying the proceedings as a complete vindication of Mr Berjaoui and claiming that the complaint was rejected by the Court. Such claims are contradicted by the court orders, which recorded a finding of guilt for common assault.
The court documents indicate otherwise. THE COURT FOUND MR BERJAOUI GUILTY OF COMMON ASSAULT. The court orders were:
“YOU ARE FOUND GUILTY, BUT WITHOUT PROCEEDING TO CONVICTION, ARE DIRECTED TO ENTER INTO A CONDITIONAL RELEASE ORDER FOR 6 MONTHS PURSUANT TO SECTION 9(1)(B) OF THE CRIMES (SENTENCING PROCEDURE) ACT 1999 TO COMMENCE ON 7 SEPTEMBER 2026.
“THIS CONDITIONAL RELEASE ORDER IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING STANDARD CONDITIONS:
(A) YOU MUST NOT COMMIT ANY OFFENCES.
(B) YOU MUST APPEAR BEFORE THE COURT IF YOU ARE CALLED ON TO DO SO DURING THE TERM OF THE ORDER.
AFIC does not intend to engage in public hostility or personal attacks. However, fairness requires that public commentary accurately reflect the outcome of the proceedings.
AFIC reiterates that the Court was provided with a letter in which Mr Berjaoui stated: "I fully acknowledge that my action was wrong", "I sincerely regret what occurred" and "I accept responsibility for losing my composure and allowing my emotions to take control". The Court was also informed that Mr Berjaoui had completed anger management and counselling focused on emotional regulation and conflict management. AFIC respectfully observes that these statements of “remorse” formed an important part of the material placed before the Court.
We encourage all members of the community to refrain from inflammatory commentary and to respect both the orders of the Court and the dignity of all persons involved.
The Muslim community deserves truth, accountability, and respectful conduct from all community representatives.
Authorised by:
Australian Federation of Islamic Councils
|
