They picked the wrong person, but even I cannot fight this alone.

VCAT handed down its decision in my case and found against me under the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 (Vic).

I reject this decision, and we are appealing.

This ruling is not just about me. It raises serious questions about freedom of political expression, protest, and the right to criticise political ideologies without being legally reframed as something else. The appeal process will be long, complex, and expensive — but it is a fight I am committed to pursuing.

For those who know me, asking for help has never come naturally. I have always been the one supporting others through business, community work, and advocacy. But after more than 18 months of ongoing legal battles linked to my advocacy, I have reached the point where I cannot carry this alone anymore.

I have funded every legal fight personally, quietly, and without complaint. The reality now is that these matters have expanded across multiple courts and proceedings, and the financial pressure has become overwhelming.

This is not just one case.

There are multiple ongoing legal matters connected to my advocacy, and today’s ruling has only added to the scale of what lies ahead.

Over this period, I have faced:

• Multiple legal proceedings connected to my advocacy and public statements

• Intervention orders filed against me alleging fear and safety concerns

• Attempts to pressure landlords and disrupt my businesses

• Criminal allegations relating to so called “insulting language” during public protest

• Repeated police actions and questioning

• Serious personal consequences, including the firebombing of my home, forcing my family to relocate and upgrade security at our own expense

Despite all of this, I have continued to stand firm.

I believe people must be able to speak up about injustice without being financially and legally crushed for doing so. I believe political speech, even when emotional or controversial, is fundamental in a democracy.

Today’s ruling is not the end. It is the beginning of the next phase.

We are preparing a formal appeal, and at the same time continuing to defend and pursue other legal matters linked to my advocacy. These cases will continue for months, and likely years.

Funds raised through this campaign will be used across ALL court cases and legal proceedings connected to my advocacy, including:

• Appeals

• Tribunal matters

• Criminal defence proceedings

• Associated legal actions necessary to defend my rights and any commercial interests under attack.

Every contribution directly helps keep these cases alive and allows me to continue standing up without being financially forced into silence.

This is bigger than me.

When legal systems are used to exhaust people for speaking out, it creates fear for everyone. The message becomes clear, stay quiet, or prepare to pay the price.

I refuse to accept that.

If you believe in freedom of expression, in standing up for what you believe in, and in ensuring people are not silenced through endless legal battles, I am asking for your support.

Thank you for standing with me.

Thank you for believing in me.

And thank you for helping me continue this fight.

In solidarity,

Hash Tayeh