Sydney man who allegedly called 13-year-old Muslim girl a ‘terrorist’ berates judge after bail refused

On Wednesday, Omar Yassine, a 50-year-old man, faced Bankstown local court following an alleged incident of Islamophobic behavior towards a 13-year-old Muslim girl on a Sydney bus. The accused made a series of insults towards the girl, her friends and someone he believed was a teacher. However, Yassine claimed he had not been the instigator and only used his phone, alleging that someone else had taken a photo of them. Four students were reportedly involved in hurling threats and abuse at Yassine.

In the video circulated online, the 8th-grade student, wearing a hijab and school uniform, was heard being called a "fucking terrorist" and an "immigrant dog" among other derogatory remarks. The girl and her fellow passengers reported the incident to the police upon disembarking from the bus at Strathfield station. Yassine was subsequently arrested at his Greenacre residence after the girl and her mother came forward with their account of the event on Tuesday. He was charged with stalking and intimidation with intent to cause fear.

During the court proceedings, Yassine displayed an unruly demeanor, interrupting the police prosecutor and acting Judge Garry Still. He demanded bail, arguing that he would report to police and not pose a risk of committing another serious offense. The judge, however, denied his request, citing his criminal history and recent community corrections order.

Yassine berated the judge upon being denied bail, questioning the court's conclusion about his behavior. The incident occurred after the 13-year-old intervened to defend another girl in a hijab who believed Yassine was taking unauthorized photos of her. Strathfield state MP Jason Yat-sen Li expressed horror and anger over the alleged incident, emphasizing the MP's firm stance against racist and Islamophobic abuse. Yassine did not enter a plea and will return to court at a later date.