The Zionist Federation of Australia has filed a legal complaint with the Federal Court of Australia against renowned Australian journalist Mary Kostakidis, accusing her of antisemitism over posts she made on social media platform X.
The complaint, initially lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) in July 2024, follows Kostakidis’ social media sharing of footage related to the late Lebanese Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, alongside commentary critical of Israel’s actions.
The Federation’s chief executive, Alon Cassuto, submitted the AHRC complaint under Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, arguing that Kostakidis’ post, which referenced Israeli government actions and suggested they were “getting some of their own medicine,” was offensive and insulting to Jewish people.
This was in the context of ongoing violence in Gaza, which the International Court of Justice had suggested may constitute genocide.
The AHRC’s conciliation process ended without resolution, prompting the Zionist Federation to take the matter to the Federal Court, marking the final step in their legal pursuit.
I am asking all Australians who object to attempts to shut down free speech in our country to support my fight.
— 💧Mary Kostakidis (@MaryKostakidis) April 6, 2025
I’m relying on your help – large numbers of people donating small amounts. Show the Zionist Lobby Australia is not their plaything. https://t.co/02AQifhXWL
Kostakidis, a former SBS presenter, is now set to defend her right to speak freely on political issues, particularly regarding Israel’s controversial policies.
She has expressed regret if her social media post was misconstrued, but maintains that reporting on controversial statements should not be censored.
Legal experts suggest the case could have broader implications for freedom of speech in Australia, particularly regarding criticism of Israel and the conflation of anti-Zionism with antisemitism.
Kostakidis is not alone in facing legal action over her stance, as other prominent figures, including academic Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah and university professors Dr Nick Riemer and John Keane, have also been subjected to similar scrutiny for their criticisms of Israel.
