Creator of Hezbollah website denies attempt to radicalise Arab-Australians

Creators of a website promoting the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah deny they are attempting to radicalise young Australians. They have been criticised for using graphic military-themed content but insist their objective is to balance mainstream media.

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(SBS)

The Melbourne-based website creator spoke to SBS on the basis that his identity wouldn't be disclosed for fear of sectarian reprisals.

"Zian" says his group "Electronic Resistance" is a small group of politically aware individuals aiming to provide some balance to mainstream opinion.

But there's no denying much of the content on their site is graphic - bullets are fired, people scream and there are tributes to martyrs.

But in a telephone interview "Zian" told SBS he opposes violence.

"Everything we've talked about on our website is a form of unity and trying to bring people together it's just the political stance that we promote," he said.

The Chair of the Zionist Federation Phillip Chester describes Hezbollah as a "force for evil". He refuses to distinguish between Hezbollah's political and military wings, and says the website should be removed.

"This is looks like a pretty radical website lauding terrorist activities and terrorist organisations, there's no place for this in Australia."

Mr Chester says he fears the site could encourage the recruitment of new Hezbollah fighters

Chair of the Australian Arabic Council Roland Jabbour says the resistance group plays a legitimate role in Lebanon's government and is unfairly targeted.

"It's often the case because we do deal with double standards at a local group and internationally. Any group who criticises the state of Israel is immediately silenced and accused of being a terrorist or anti-Semitic."

Electronic Resistance says the material on the site is drawn from other media sources and that it's opposed to violence and, in particular, the recruitment of young Australians for jihadist activities.

"There's a lot of gunshots there's a lot of stuff like that but realistically it's not promoting anything it's not encouraging anyone to go anywhere," SBS was told.

Middle East analyst Wil Plowright says the strong miliary-themed videos indicate otherwise.

"The presence of these videos suggests that they have jihadist leanings or that they're providing material that does promote involvement in armed jihad."

But Mr Plowright doubts the site alone would serve to recruit terror operatives, saying that is far more complicated.

"The process of radicalisation and recruitment into an armed group is usually a long social process which involves interactions with peers."

The Attorney-General issued a statement saying the department can't comment on specific cases, but any online material inciting terrorism will be investigated.


3 min read

Published

Updated

By Luke Waters

Source: SBS


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