A Sydney barber is under investigation for social media posts that appear to support terrorists, but his mother says he is a minor and was unaware of new anti-terrorism laws.
Zac Zhour, who works at Z VIP Barber in south-west Sydney, recently posted posts on Instagram and Facebook glorifying Hezbollah and Hamas leaders.
One included the words: “Jihad is the greatest act.”
In another post, Zhour wore a black headband, sometimes worn by jihadists in battle, and greeted a small child.
A third post showed the Jewish Star of David covered in blood, accompanied by the quote: “We will surely bring severe retribution to evildoers.”
Zhour also posted videos that appeared to be filmed in Lebanon and showed the Hezbollah symbol.
Australia has designated both Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist groups, and in January the display of terrorist symbols was banned at the federal level.
When confronted by a Sky News reporter at the store this week, Zhour said police had visited him about the posts, but insisted it was just for a “friendly chat”.
He also stated that he does not regret his publications.
Zhour’s mother says Sky News should not have questioned her son because he is a “boy.”
“I have no regrets because they are killing innocent children and obviously if you are human and you have a heart, that is not right.”
“I know for a fact that these associations are not terrorist groups, but I know for a fact that in the Western world, that is what they are said to be.”
When contacted by Daily Mail Australia on Thursday, Zhour said: “I’m actually a minor” and preferred her mother speak on her behalf.
His mother said her son had no idea the pictures were wrong.
“A 17-year-old may not know those laws,” he said.
‘Anything you published as a child is irrelevant. It’s in the past and he wasn’t aware that he wasn’t supposed to do it.
New South Wales Police have confirmed the matter is under investigation.
Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory was dismayed by Zhour’s posts.
In one post, Zhour wears a black headband and waves to a little boy.
“It’s certainly very suspicious and it’s something we urge authorities to take seriously,” he said.
‘This is not an isolated case. We have seen many incidents where the Muslim community has expressed support for banned terrorist organizations since October 7.
“It’s a big concern for Australia, it’s a big concern for the Jewish community, for ordinary Australians and for social cohesion.”
One of the posts included the words “Jihad is the greatest act.”
Another shows the Star of David covered in blood.
Zhour is not the first Australian to come under scrutiny after new anti-terrorism laws were enacted.
A 19-year-old woman is fighting charges in court after being accused of displaying the Hezbollah flag at a pro-Palestine protest in Sydney.
Sarah Mouhanna was charged with causing the public display of a symbol of a banned terrorist organization and pleaded not guilty in October.