My 15-year-old brother, Darweish Abdulaziz Haji Mohamed, was tragically killed in a stabbing in Melbourne on 1 July 2026. Darweish was a loving, caring, and innocent young boy who had his whole life ahead of him. He was deeply loved by his family, friends, and the wider community, and his death has left an unimaginable pain in our hearts. Our family is devastated and profoundly concerned by reports that one of the accused had been released on bail only four days before Darweish was killed. This has raised serious questions about the adequacy of our current bail laws and the risks they pose to our community.

The safety of our community should be a top priority, yet this tragic incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by inadequately supervised offenders. In Australia, knife crime has been on the rise, with many young lives cut short every year. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, there has been a noticeable increase in offences involving bladed weapons over recent years. Shockingly, between 2015 and 2020, knife-related homicides saw a 35% increase nationwide.

While offenders have a right to reform, the current bail laws fail to consider the severity of violent acts and the potential harm to our community. It’s crucial that the Victorian government reassesses and strengthens bail laws for violent offenders, particularly those involving the use of knives. This would include reviewing bail considerations and implementing stricter conditions to ensure that individuals who pose a risk are not easily released back into the community.

Additionally, more resources are needed to support preventive programs and interventions aimed at addressing knife crime at its roots. This includes community outreach, education programs for young people, and increased policing in high-risk areas. Together, these measures can help safeguard our communities and prevent future tragedies.

By signing this petition, you are calling on the Victorian government to take urgent action to protect innocent lives and create a safer environment for everyone. Strengthening our bail laws and investing in community safety is a step towards ensuring that no family has to suffer the loss we have endured. Please join us in honouring Darweish's memory and pushing for much-needed change.