From anti-Israel activist to kidnapper: Laura Allam arrested for planning the kidnapping of Jewish employee in Australia
The woman, part of the Lebanese community, was known on social media for spreading pro-Palestinian hoaxes, especially after the war in Gaza.
(HILARY WARDHAUGH / AFP)
Australian authorities arrested influencer and anti-Irael activist Laura Allam Monday, accusing her of being the mastermind behind the kidnapping and torture of a Jewish employee.
The 28-year-old woman has been charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal detention, assault and battery against a 31-year-old man. The events occurred in the municipality of St. Albans on Feb. 16.
That day, according to Victoria Police, the victim was dragged from his vehicle. He was beaten and kicked and transferred to the trunk of another car. After being held by the criminals, the man was released in another municipality. The injuries the man suffered required medical intervention. Two people have been arrested for the incident, among them pro-Palestinian influencer Laura Allam.
'It is a jihad of martyrdom or victory'
According to Australian outlet The Herald Sun, Laura Allam is part of the Lebanese community. Through social media, Allam maintains several active profiles which have tens of thousands of followers.
Her TikTok account has more than 20,000 followers, but since her arrest, it has been closed to the public. On her X profile, which has a smaller following, Allam's posts are still visible. She dedicated herself through the internet to praising the action of some governments in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia. She also spread hoaxes. In one of her latest posts, she claims that a British aircraft carrier had broken down when heading to the Red Sea to deter against the Houthis.
According to The Herald Sun, she also posted comments online that called to "avenge the martyrs in Jenin and Gaza," saying that "it is a jihad of martyrdom or victory."
Allam was the head of an Islamic foundation in Australia. According to Sky News, Allam's foundation was dedicated to helping Palestinians immigrate to Australia after the war in Gaza. Allam also made a brief appearance in Parliament in Canberra, along with several far-left protesters, who were shamed for appearing at a public protest along with someone who mocked the death of Israeli soldiers on social media.
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