ACMA dismisses gunman’s complaints

Media watchdog the Australian Communications and Media Authorithy has made public two reports from investigations sparked by complaints raised by Martin Place siege gunman Man Haron Monis, in which he complained about Sunrise and Today Tonight.

In July 2007 he complained about a Sunrise segment about the Dr Haneef case and the arrest of other medical practitioners in Britain which alleged terrorism offences. But ACMA did not believe the segment would have provoked “intense dislike, serious contempt of severe ridicule against a person or persons on the grounds of religion”.

Two years later he lodged another complaint after Today Tonight did a story on him titled “Sheikh Attack”. He claimed the piece misrepresented his viewpoints and created public panic about Muslims.

But ACMA only found one point in his favour, factually acknowledging that his website was registered in the name of a woman.

Following his complaints, Monis died with two of his 18 hostages in the Lindt cafe in Martin Place just metres from Seven studio.

Source: Fairfax