‘Mind-Blowingly Stupid’: Australia’s Spy Chief on Alleged News Corp Sting to Provoke Anti-Semitic Incident

Burgess also downplayed its significance, stating it wasn’t a priority.
‘Mind-Blowingly Stupid’: Australia’s Spy Chief on Alleged News Corp Sting to Provoke Anti-Semitic Incident
An Israeli flag is seen attached to the fence at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea, Australia, on Dec. 9, 2024. Martin Keep/AFP via Getty Images
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Australia’s top intelligence official has criticised an alleged attempt by News Corp staff to provoke anti-Semitic remarks at a Middle Eastern restaurant, calling it “mind-blowingly stupid” during a Senate estimates hearing on Feb. 25.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess was questioned by Greens Senator David Shoebridge about the reported incident at Cairo Takeaway in Newtown, Sydney.