'It's unfortunate. It's unacceptable to resort to barbaric violence in that way,' says Whittlesea Councillor Kris Pavlidis.
Tensions between local Greek and Macedonian communities are believed to be behind the violent attack of a man at a family-friendly restaurant in Melbourne's north-east last week.
The attackers have not been arrested by police and the investigation is ongoing. Detectives have secured CCTV footage from the restaurant.Whittlesea mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova sparked tensions between the local Greek and Macedonian communities after posting a photo on Facebook showing her holding a flag with the Vergina Sun symbol. She has since removed the post.
In mid-2018, the two countries signed the Prespa Agreement to try to address the long-standing dispute and the symbol is now banned from being used in public in North Macedonia. The post sparked outrage within the local Greek and Macedonian communities, with heated debates online leading to death and rape threats towards individuals on Facebook.
Cr Pavlidis condemned the violence at the restaurant and said she has been told it was motivated by the recent ethnic tensions."That's just not on, it's really is not on. It’s incumbent on the mayor of the day to ensure through their leadership, that their conduct does not in any way incite unruly behaviour.
"Council hosts various community events and council meetings during the year and ensures security is considered as standard practice.”of its chief executive, former police chief Simon Overland earlier this month.
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