A Queensland Police Service (QPS) employee has been granted bail in a Brisbane court after being charged in connection with online posts and comments.
Muamer Nukic, 50, a QPS Protective Services Group employee, appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday following his arrest earlier in the day. He faces 41 counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence.
Prosecution Allegations
Police prosecutor Matt Kahler informed the court that between February 2024 and January 2026, Mr. Nukic, who identifies as an "anti-Zionist," allegedly posted comments described by the prosecution as "offensive" and "very antisemitic" on multiple social media platforms. Mr. Kahler characterized the posting as "persistent" and "menacing and harassing" to community members.
The court heard one comment, in response to an online post featuring a child killed in the Bondi terror attack, stated "fk you and fk Israel." Mr. Kahler asserted that Mr. Nukic "seems to show no insight into this offending" and attributes his actions to "free speech," a claim the prosecutor contended was inaccurate.
Defense Statement
Mr. Nukic's lawyer, Emma Kearney, stated that her client holds "pro-Palestinian views" and acknowledged making "problematic comments." However, Ms. Kearney argued that most of these comments would not meet the legal threshold for criminal offending as they were not objectively offensive. The court was informed that Mr. Nukic has no prior criminal history and has been employed by the QPS for 25 years. Mr. Nukic, a permanent Australian citizen, migrated from Bosnia in 1993 after being held in a Serbian concentration camp.
Queensland Police Service Response
The Queensland Police Service released a statement informing the public of the charges, citing its "commitment to high standards of behaviour, transparency and accountability." The QPS emphasized that "This does not mean that the allegations against the member have been substantiated." The service reaffirmed its dedication to community safety and engagement across culturally diverse populations, stating that instances of serious vilification and hate crime are criminal matters that will be investigated and prosecuted when reported.
Magistrate's Decision and Bail Conditions
Magistrate Lewis Shillito noted during bail considerations that Mr. Nukic "might have difficulty" with the concept of objective offensiveness, particularly "when he is supportive of someone having died in furtherance of his cause." The Magistrate further asserted that some commentary "goes beyond" being anti-Zionist, including alleged support for proscribed terrorist organisations such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Ansar Allah.
Magistrate Shillito stated that "Any pro-Palestinian ideology that might underpin [Mr. Nukic's] commentary is wholly outstripped by the nature of the comments and the acts that his comments are said to be supportive of, including repeated and recent acts of violence against persons, including in Australia."
Mr. Nukic was granted bail under several conditions:
- Reporting to police weekly.
- Allowed to own only one mobile phone.
- Restricted from using social media platforms.
The matter is scheduled to return to court next month.