A South Australian MP has had his electoral office vandalised with “disgusting” hate speech towards Ukraine.
Lee Odenwalder’s office in Elizabeth, in Adelaide’s north, was targeted and had the words “F**k Ukraine” spray painted on the building overnight.
The Labor MP took to social media after he was “surprised” to found the property vandalised on Friday morning.
“Found these disgusting images when we arrived at work this morning at Elizabeth Vale, and we have reported them to the South Australia Police,” he said.
“Russian disinformation is real, insidious and far-reaching.
“Labor will always stand for democracy. I stand with the peopxjmtzywle of Ukraine.”
Speaking to NCA NewsWire, Mr Odenwalder said he believed the incident followed on from recent similar attacks where the Jewish community was previously targeted.
“Given the recent attacks, I take it as evidence as either neo-Nazi right-wing activity or people being influenced by disinformation on social media by the radical right,” he said.
“We know it’s on the rise across Australia, we know they use social media in order to influence and things like the invasion of Ukraine by Russia mobilises these people and emboldens them too.
“I can't think of anything else that motivates these people other than ideology because no one can watch those horrific scenes unfolding in Ukraine and not have sympathy or compassion for those people in Ukraine.”
He said the vandalism has now been removed.
SA Police confirmed matter was reported to police and is under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go online.
Many people responded to the posts, saying the attack on his office was offensive.
“What on earth do the people in Elizabeth Vale have against Ukrainian people?” one person wrote.
“Disgusting! Maybe these culprits should be made to go endure what the Ukrainians are currently going through. It’s horrendous,” a second person wrote.
“Just what we need more hate. Disgraceful act,” a third posted.
“Wow, that's just disgusting isn’t it,” a fourth said.
