Sydney barber under investigation for shocking social media posts glorifying terrorism – but hides behind his mummy when confronted by Daily Mail Australia
A Sydney hairdresser is under investigation over social media posts appearing to support terrorists, but his mother says he is a minor and was unaware of the new anti-terrorism laws.
Zac Zhour, who works at Z VIP Barber in Sydney’s south-west, recently published posts on Instagram and Facebook glorifying the leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas.
One contained the words: ‘Jihad is the greatest act’.
In another post, Zhour wore a black headband, sometimes worn by jihadists in battle, and saluted a young child.
A third post depicted the Jewish Star of David covered in blood, accompanied by the quote: “We will surely bring severe retribution on the transgressors.”
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 in the store this week, Zhour said police had visited him through the messages, but insisted it was only for a “friendly chat.”
He also claimed he had no regrets about his posts.
Zhour’s mother says Sky News should not have questioned her son because he is a ‘child’.
“I don’t regret it because innocent children are being murdered and if you’re human and you have a heart, that’s obviously not okay.
“I’m sure these associations are not terrorist groups, but I’m sure that’s what they’re called in the Western world.”
When Daily Mail Australia contacted the barbershop on Thursday, Zhour said: “I’m actually a minor,” and preferred his mother to speak on his behalf.
His mother said her son had no idea the images were wrong.
“It could be possible for a 17-year-old to not be aware of those laws,” she said.
“Anything he posted as a kid is irrelevant. It’s in the past and he didn’t know it wasn’t meant to be.”
NSW Police have confirmed the matter is under investigation.
Robert Gregory, CEO of the Australian Jewish Association, was shocked by Zhour’s messages.
In one post, Zhuur wears a black headband and salutes a young child.
“It is certainly very suspicious and we would urge the police to take this seriously,” he said.
‘This is not an isolated case. We have seen many incidents since October 7 where the Muslim community has expressed support for banned terrorist organizations.
“It’s a major concern for Australia, it’s a major concern for the Jewish community, for ordinary Australians and for social cohesion.”
One of the messages contained 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 following the introduction of new anti-terrorism laws.
A 19-year-old woman is fighting charges in court after she was accused of displaying the Hezbollah flag at a pro-Palestine protest in Sydney.
Sarah Mouhanna was charged with causing a public display of the symbol of a banned terrorist organization and entered a not guilty plea in October.