MELBOURNE, Australia – Following a violent extremist attack on a Sydney bishop, there has been a contentious legal battle over the sharing of graphic videos of the incident on social media. The attack took place on April 15 at the Assyrian Orthodox church, resulting in a live stream of the knife attack that drew a crowd and incited a riot in which numerous police officers were injured and vehicles were damaged.
The bishop, Mar Mari Emmanuel, who was repeatedly stabbed in the attack, has voiced support for X Corp. owner Elon Musk’s efforts to challenge an Australian ban on sharing the video online. Despite acknowledging the graphic nature of the videos, Bishop Emmanuel emphasized the importance of upholding freedom of speech and religion in allowing the videos to remain on social media.
While Musk accuses Australia of censorship, Australian lawmakers have criticized him for his perceived arrogance and lack of social responsibility in allowing violent and divisive content on his platform. In response to the attack, five teenagers with ties to a violent extremist ideology have been charged with various offenses, including the stabbing of Bishop Emmanuel.
The legal proceedings following the attack have resulted in both criminal prosecutions of the alleged perpetrators and civil court actions focused on preventing the spread of the video on social media. Police have identified seven individuals as part of a network connected to the attack, including the 16-year-old boy responsible for the stabbing. The boy has been charged with committing a terrorist act, carrying a maximum penalty of life in prison.
In response to an order from the Australian regulator to remove the video, X Corp. has been fighting to keep the footage on its platform, arguing against potential irreparable harm from its circulation. While other social media companies have complied with similar orders, X Corp. has faced legal challenges in its efforts to keep the video online.
Bishop Emmanuel, who immigrated to Australia from Iraq, has urged calm and discouraged retaliation in the wake of the attack. The five boys linked to the attacker appeared in court, facing charges related to conspiracy to engage in a terrorist act and possession of violent extremist material.
Law enforcement officials have conducted a series of search warrants and arrests related to the attack, highlighting concerns over religiously motivated violent extremism in the community. The incident has raised broader questions about social media regulation, freedom of expression, and the prevention of violent content dissemination online.