French Backpacker Detained in Australia for Threatening Israeli with Knife

A 25-year-old French backpacker, Leo Raymond Cottin, was arrested in Cairns, Australia, on August 13 after allegedly threatening an Israeli citizen with a 20 cm knife at the "Maddy Monkey Backpackers" hostel. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. when Cottin forcibly hugged the Israeli man despite his request to stop, then drew the knife and shouted anti-Israel remarks, including accusations of killing people in Gaza and refusing to stay in the same hostel as an Israeli.

The police confirmed no physical assault or stabbing took place. During a hearing at Cairns Magistrates Court, it emerged that Cottin and members of a WhatsApp group named "International Incel Investigating" had been monitoring the Israeli man. They circulated a photo of him in military attire from his private Instagram account and Cottin warned in the group that next time he saw the man, they might meet somewhere without cameras.

Cottin's lawyer, Rowan King, acknowledged these facts. The prosecution, led by Olivier Clayas, opposed bail, citing public safety concerns and the severity of the hate crime. Judge Tom Bryce denied bail and ordered Cottin to remain in custody until the next hearing on September 11. Cottin has been in Australia since November 2025, works in construction, and has no prior criminal record in France or Australia.