French backpacker denied bail after alleged knife threat and anti-Israeli remarks in Cairns
A 25-year-old French traveler was refused bail and kept in custody after being charged with assault and hate-crime motives for hugging and brandishing a knife at an Israeli guest at a Cairns hostel.
In Cairns Magistrates Court, 25-year-old French backpacker Leo Raymund Cotene faced a charge of common assault with serious vilification, stemming from an incident at the Mad Monkey Backpackers on Sheridan Street. According to court testimony, Cotene approached an Israeli guest, hugged him despite being told not to, and then produced a 20-centimetre knife, though no strike was alleged. He allegedly shouted anti-Israeli slurs such as "You kill people in Gaza" and expressed a refusal to stay in a hotel with an Israeli.
Prosecutors noted Cotene’s participation in a group chat named International Incel Investigating, where members shared the victim’s Instagram image and discussed potential future encounters. Police prosecutor Olivier Claes warned of a danger to other Israeli or Jewish individuals, prompting Magistrate Tom Brayes to refuse bail. Cotene will stay in custody pending a further hearing scheduled for September 11.
Why it matters
The case highlights tensions over hate-crime legislation and public safety concerns in tourist hubs.
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