MELBOURNE, Australia (JTA) — An Australian man who posted an anti-Semitic video on YouTube has been found guilty of racial hatred.
Brendon Lee O’Connell, 38, was found guilty Jan. 28 in Perth District Court on six of seven charges relating to an altercation he had with two Jewish students at a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside a supermarket in May 2009.
When the jury found him guilty, O’Connell shouted, "Free Palestine! Free Iraq!"
According to one eyewitness, he also said, "Netanyahu will appear in the dock one day," referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
O’Connell was remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court Monday for sentencing.
In the 10-minute video, O’Connell tells the two students, who were selling Jaffa oranges from Israel, "You have a religion of racism, hate, homicide and ethnic cleansing." He also accuses one of being a "racist, homicidal maniac."
During the trial O’Connell, who was representing himself, refused to acknowledge Judge Henry Wisbey when he entered the courtroom and was cautioned for his behavior.
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