Nor would a Muslim refugee from the Middle East, living in Australia on a temporary humanitarian visa. He was previously celebrated as a literal hero after intervening to stop a violent attack on an Iranian asylum seeker in Bondi. The man, who is being represented by lawyer Alison Battisson, showed extraordinary bravery by getting out of the taxi in the presence of gunfire. His quick thinking neutralized one of the attackers. This triggered a heated chain reaction of response between law enforcement and civilian protesters.
What happened on the ground Ms Battisson’s client was dropped off by a taxi driver on Campbell Parade in Bondi. As they pulled up, both he and the cab driver witnessed in horror as shots rang out on the block. According to Ms. Battisson, the taxi driver told them to get out of the neighbourhood. Her client had a powerful desire to act now. He pictured his own boys and he couldn’t just sit by and know that there were other children he could save.
“I’d obviously like to express my condolences for the terrible antisemitic act that happened the attack on Sunday. My client is from the Middle East. He was in a taxi at Bondi, and he was just being dropped off when himself and the taxi driver heard shots.” – Alison Battisson
Now, Ms. Battisson’s client was able to take advantage of a very narrow window of opportunity. He ran towards the sound of gunfire, sure that the shooter had paused to reload his weapon. This belief drove him to act decisively.
“He believed that there would be an opportunity that when the shooters, the attackers, would need to reload that that would then be the opportunity to try and stop them shooting anyone else.” – Alison Battisson
Upon arriving on scene, he managed to wrestle the gun from one of the assailants. But then the chaos began when police came and opened fire. In the midst of the melee, the public wrongly attacked Ms. Battisson’s client. For that reason, they thought he was associated with the attack.
“So my client is of Middle Eastern appearance. He is wearing a black T shirt and black shorts. Very chaotic scene, so he was shot at by the police. He put his hands up, saying, ‘Don’t shoot. Don’t shoot,’ and others were saying don’t shoot, as well.” – Alison Battisson
Once the scene had settled down, members of the public were the first to run up to him and beat him senseless. Ms. Battisson characterized this reaction as understandable, but unfortunate in this context.
“When it became clear that the gunman was disarmed and things appeared to have not be as acute danger, others ran up, members of the public, and some other officers ran up the bridge and kicked and, I think, punched and put my client down on the floor.” – Alison Battisson
So, despite all of the chaos around his actions, Mr. Ms. Battisson’s client received a commendation for his courage and selflessness. He was later awarded permanent residency in Australia in recognition of his bravery. His most important motivation wasn’t political or ideological glory, but basic human safety.
“My client certainly did not act thinking about a visa status. He was concerned about community safety.” – Alison Battisson
Today, Ms. Battisson’s client hopes one day to be living again with his family—his Australian wife and children who are citizens. He is experiencing a lot of pressure at the moment. Living on a temporary visa meant that he could be deported from Australia at any moment.
“My client is a private person, and he is very family-oriented, but he also has no right to stay in this country.” – Alison Battisson
In the wake of this tragic event, conversations have sparked about the multifaceted nature of identity and community within Australia. Ms. Battisson highlighted that her client’s behavior serves as an example of the larger themes of solidarity that exist between many different, diverse communities.
“I think we really need to ask ourselves questions that are complex and recognising complex realities of people’s lives, migrant lives, people born in Australia.” – Alison Battisson
The New South Wales Police said their detectives are currently investigating the details of this incident. They gave few other details, including specifics about the case or the people involved.
“There is a complex critical incident investigation underway into the full circumstances of incident and at this time we are unable to confirm specifics regarding people involved.” – New South Wales Police
Ms. Battisson’s client—one of the many refugees with complex layers of trauma—faced peril head on. He met that crossroads event with grace and mettle. His life was an example of courage in action. More than anything, they reminded us of the difficulties that refugees experience in Australia today.
“He’s very traumatized from the experience. He’s a refugee recognized by UNHCR and Australia.” – Alison Battisson
