Three individuals have been arrested after a Muslim leader was allegedly assaulted in a racially motivated attack on a Melbourne freeway, according to police and a report by The Guardian. The incident occurred at about 7.40 pm on Saturday on the South Gippsland Highway in Melbourne’s south-east. Police allege that the victims, Imam Ismet Purdic and his wife, were racially abused by three occupants of a small black hatchback while driving.

According to police, the occupants of the other vehicle allegedly threw objects, drove dangerously to intimidate the couple, and forced them to pull into a service station. The suspects are accused of getting out of their car, punching Imam Purdic in the face, and threatening his wife. Members of the public intervened, after which the alleged attackers returned to their vehicle and fled the scene.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina Islamic Society in Noble Park said Imam Purdic and his wife suffered significant trauma following the incident. Imam Purdic has served the community for more than 12 years as a religious leader, educator, and interfaith advocate through the Interfaith Network Dandenong. The attack was condemned by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. Police said the three suspects were arrested in Dandenong South on Sunday.