Images of a vandalised car covered in obscene language, with its tyres slashed and windows broken in the Sydney suburb of Bass Hill, have been shared widely on social media, attracting outraged comments.
The alleged perpetrator, a 55-year-old man who lives in the same area, was arrested and charged with destroying or damaging property on Tuesday night.
He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court next month.
Tweets from Islamophobia Register Australia, which was founded by Australian lawyer Miriam Veiszadeh, prompted the NSW Police to respond by saying that they were investigating the incident.
Images showing the graphic and Islamophobic vandalism were circulating on social media before the alleged perpetrator was caught and charged.
The post of the destroyed Audi Q7, which retails for around $100,000, was shared by smash repairers Queen Street Group, then by the anti-Islamaphobia group Islamophobia Register Australia.
"Unfortunately this is the kind of country we live in where there is minorities who do this, always trying to put others down for self gratification," wrote the Queen Street Group.
"Whoever did this I hope you have a good look at what you've done, as humans we pity you. To the owner of this car, we apologize on behalf of humanity that there are people like this out there."
Over 500 people have commented on the posts, sharing their disgust at the act.
"The people who did that need to leave Australia. Real Australians are not vile, hateful criminals who have no respect for others," wrote Sarah Winterbottom.
"This is not the Australia I want to live in," wrote Trevor Phillips.
The vehicle has been taken by police for forensic testing.
-With AAP
Share
