Full Breakdown
French Backpacker Remanded Over Alleged Assault on Israeli Tourist in Cairns
8/15/2026, 10:56:40 AM
Incident Overview
On August 13 at the Mad Monkey Backpackers hostel on Sheridan Street in Cairns, Queensland, 25-year-old French national Leo Raymund Cotene is alleged to have approached an Israeli guest, repeatedly hugged him after being told not to touch him, and produced a 20-centimetre knife from a bag. He was charged with common assault with serious vilification or hate-crime circumstances of aggravation and was taken into custody.
Legal Proceedings
The Cairns Magistrates Court denied Cotene’s bail application. Magistrate Tom Braes ordered that Cotene remain in custody pending a further hearing on September 11.
Background & Context
Cotene has lived in Australia since November 2025, arriving in Cairns two months before the incident. He works in construction and has no criminal record in either Australia or France. Court testimony revealed that Cotene and 13 other backpackers were members of a WhatsApp group titled “International Incel Investigating.” The group allegedly shared an Instagram photo of the Israeli guest in an IDF uniform and exchanged messages referencing the planned encounter at the hostel.
Key Figures
- Leo Raymund Cotene – 25-year-old French backpacker, defendant.
- Rowan King – Lawyer for Cotene, representing him in the bail hearing.
- Olivier Claes – Police prosecutor opposing bail.
- Tom Braes – Magistrate who remanded Cotene in custody.
- Robert Gregory – President of the Australian Jewish Association (AJA), commenting on broader antisemitism concerns.
Data & Statistics
- Age of defendant: 25.
- Knife length cited: 20 cm.
- Number of other members in the “International Incel Investigating” chat: 13.
- Date of alleged assault: August 13.
- Next scheduled court appearance: September 11.
Official Statements & Responses
- Magistrate Tom Braes affirmed the decision to keep Cotene in custody, noting the seriousness of the alleged hate-crime elements.
Criticism & Opposition
Gregory’s remarks underscore concerns within the Australian Jewish community about rising antisemitic incidents. He stated, “I never imagined I would have to issue such a warning about our country, but antisemitism in Australia has deteriorated significantly in recent times,” highlighting a perceived shift in public safety for Jewish and Israeli travelers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He's hugged the complainant, who has told him not to touch him,” — Rowan King, mr cotene's lawyer
- “There's no allegation that he's … struck him or anything more sinister than that,” — Mr King, mr cotene's lawyer
- “The allegation is he's made comments like, 'You kill people in Gaza', 'I'm not staying in a hotel with an Israeli' and, 'F*** Israel,'” — Mr King, mr cotene's lawyer
- “I never imagined I would have to issue such a warning about our country, but antisemitism in Australia has deteriorated significantly in recent times,” — Robert Gregory, president
What’s Next
Cotene remains in custody until the September 11 hearing, where the court will consider the seriousness of the assault charge and the aggravated vilification allegation. No further court dates have been announced.
