Woman Charged Over Alleged Islamophobic Attacks in Melbourne Shopping Centre

Two Muslim women, including one who is pregnant, were allegedly assaulted in a Melbourne shopping centre in what police describe as racially motivated attacks.

• A 31-year-old woman from Pascoe Vale has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including intentionally and recklessly causing injury, unlawful assault, and aggravated assault.
• The alleged assaults occurred on February 13 at the Pacific Epping shopping centre in Melbourne's north, targeting two women wearing head coverings.
• One victim, a pregnant 30-year-old woman, was reportedly slapped and shoved to the ground, while the other, a 26-year-old, allegedly had her hijab grabbed and was choked.
• Both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were hospitalized; one has expressed fear of leaving her home following the incident.
• Victoria Police are also investigating reports of online threats made against one of the victims and have condemned the attacks as discriminatory and unacceptable.

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