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Cairns Court Denies Bail for French Backpacker Cotene

8/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cairns Magistrates Court denied bail to French backpacker Leo Raymund Cotene, remanding him until September 11.
Cotene, 25, is charged with common assault with serious vilification after hugging, pulling a knife and making anti-Israel remarks at Mad Monkey Backpackers on August 13.
Prosecutor Olivier Claes warned that Cotene’s deliberateness could further offend Israeli or Jewish people.

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Story summary

Cairns Magistrates Court denied bail to French backpacker Leo Raymund Cotene, remanding him until September 11.
Cotene, 25, is charged with common assault with serious vilification after hugging, pulling a knife and making anti-Israel remarks at Mad Monkey Backpackers on August 13.
Prosecutor Olivier Claes warned that Cotene’s deliberateness could further offend Israeli or Jewish people.