July 30, 2012

SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) – Two anti-Israel activists arrested in Melbourne last year were found guilty of assault.

The protesters were among 16 people charged with a variety of offenses following an anti-Israel demonstration in July 2011. The protesters had targeted a Melbourne branch of Max Brenner, an Israeli-owned chain of chocolate shops.

The protesters claimed Max Brenner was complicit in Israel’s occupation because its parent company, the Strauss Group, provides supplies to the Israeli Defense Force. Three policemen were injured in the melee.

In the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last week, Sergio Tobon and Stephen Evans were convicted of assaulting police and were each fined $500. Two other protesters were fined $100 for resisting and hindering police, but did not receive convictions.

The verdicts followed a decision by Magistrate Simon Garnett last week to dismiss trespass and besetting charges against most of the protesters – including a Jew – who were arrested during the clash. The magistrate said in his ruling that the protesters “did not surround the premises with hostile intent or demeanor.”

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu responded by criticizing the global BDS movement.

“The BDS group in my opinion is better titled as bigoted, dangerous and shameful,” he said. “They have sought to close down businesses just because they are associated with the state of Israel.”

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