Source : Perth Now news
Cross-examination has spilled into public debate as experts investigating radicalisation trace the drivers of extremism.
Witnesses including academics and police are set to appear at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion on Friday as part of its latest hearing block.
Experts have suggested online radical movements, high rates of misogyny amongst youth and even economic difficulties have fed into Australia’s extremism risk.
Academic Sara Meger told the commission on Thursday her research linked misogyny with predicting violent extremism.
She recommended the government consider earlier respectful relationship education to combat high rates of gendered attitudes among young children.
Counter-terrorism expert Julian Droogan on Wednesday warned the aesthetics, language and grievances of the radical right could entice young people without explicitly promoting a traditional political ideology.
Content produced by incel and manosphere creators was among the material online movements then harnessed to exploit personal grievances, he said.
Political sociologist Joshua Roose told the commission anti-Semitism and blaming Jewish people for social problems could appeal to those who already felt disenfranchised.
Financial, romantic and other personal difficulties had pushed people across the political spectrum towards anti-Semitic narratives, he said.
Before the current eighth hearing block began, commissioner Virginia Bell reproached the authors of “truly abusive, Islamophobic emails” directed at the counsel of a protest group.
Ragni Mathur SC had questioned a Jewish leader about the timing of Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel in the context of a protest held at the Sydney Opera House two days later.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin accused the counsel of engaging in “clickbait theatrics and gratuitous slurs against Israel”.
NSW Premier Chris Minns later told News24 Ms Mathur’s questioning was “disappointing”.
Ms Bell defended Ms Mathur, saying she “did not hijack this royal commission” and that counsel appearing before the inquiry should not become the subject of attacks.
Tuesday’s hearing investigated two high-profile protests.
NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Peter McKenna said police were advised they could not stop a rally of about 60 black-clad men holding an “abolish the Jewish lobby” banner in November 2025.
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip earlier labelled a rally at Sydney Opera House two days after the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel a scene of international disgrace and infamy.
Victoria University’s Mario Peucker gave evidence on social cohesion, protests and radicalisation.
Those given a chance to express dissent through protest were less likely to become further radicalised, Associate Professor Peucker said.
He said repressive policing of protests could cause fragmentation and strengthening of radical flanks within political movements.
