Man attacked in Victoria over Balkan tension

·

A man in his 20s was attacked in Melbourne’s north-east last week, over “tension between Greek and Macedonian communities”, The Age reported.

The police are investigating after three men, who were at the restaurant with a larger group, set upon the man at a Ribs & Burgers restaurant on McDonalds Road in South Morang on December 17. They assaulted the victim at about 7.40pm, before fleeing the scene and leaving him with minor facial injuries and a small fracture on one finger.

The Age reports that the group punched the victim, who is of Greek heritage, in the head and face for up to 40 seconds. The victim’s car was also damaged.

The attackers have not been arrested by police and the investigation is ongoing. Detectives have secured CCTV footage from the restaurant.

Whittlesea mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova sparked tensions between the local Greek and Macedonian communities after posting a photo on Facebook showing her holding a flag with the Vergina Sun symbol.  She has since removed the post.
Whittlesea mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova sparked tensions between the local Greek and North Macedonian communities after posting a photo on Facebook showing her holding a flag with the Vergina Sun symbol. She has since removed the post.

Whittlesea mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova sparked tensions between the local Greek and North Macedonian communities after posting a photo on Facebook showing her holding a flag with the Vergina Sun symbol. She has since removed the post. CREDIT:FACEBOOK

It is understood that the attackers and the victim had just been at a nearby City of Whittlesea council meeting, where a protest had been planned and extra security engaged. The extra security was established following a controversial Facebook post from Whittlesea mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova, showing her dancing with a flag featuring the Vergina Sun symbol.

Cr Sterjova took down the post and responded to the backlash on social media several days later.

“I was surprised by the negative response to my posting which included death threats against me, threats to remove me from the office of mayor, threats to have me expelled from the political party I am a member of, and stalking threats necessitating the engagement of security services and police for my protection when attending certain future events,” she wrote.

“By way of clarification, the posting of the subject photo was not intended to insult, or be disrespectful to, any member of the Whittlesea community.”

The Whittlesea council will be monitored over the next six months, with an interim report about councillor behaviour due on March 27.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

South Melbourne, Heidelberg triumph while Sydney Olympic fall in Australian Championship

Round 2 of the 2025 Australian Championship delivered thrilling goals and standout performances across the competition.

Australian doctors praise Rhodes Hospital during visit

A delegation of 25 hospital doctors from Australia visited the General Hospital of Rhodes this week as part of a tour of medical facilities.

Ange Postecoglou leaves Nottingham Forest with classy farewell after being sacked

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Nottingham Forest just 39 days after taking charge, but the Greek Australian showed trademark composure.

Turkey accuses Greece of blocking entry into EU defence program

Turkey has accused Greece of undermining European security by opposing Ankara’s bid to join the EU’s SAFE defence program.

Ceasefire in Gaza resumes after deadly Israeli strikes kill 26

The Israeli military confirmed on Sunday, October 19, that the ceasefire in Gaza had resumed following an exchange of violence.

You May Also Like

George Lekakis appointed to lead Victoria’s fight against antisemitism

George Lekakis has been appointed to lead a new advisory group called the Local Escalation And Help (LEAH) group.

Greeks mark 140 years of South Australia’s Sturt Street Community School

The Sturt Street Community School in Adelaide, South Australia celebrated its 140th anniversary this year with an official event on May 5.

Victorians rejoice as state records only one new COVID-19 case

Victorians have woken up Saturday morning to the incredible news published by the Victorian Health Department, which shows the state recorded only one new COVID-19 case in the last 24 hours.