Facebook 'hacked'

A KNOX Council candidate claims his Facebook was hacked to portray him as a racist.

Dean Cottier, a candidate for Baird Ward, was accused of racism following revelations his Causes.org profile showed he 'liked' the page Aussie Pride.

The page states immigrants who don't like Australia and want to change it should "get on the next plane home".

The page's aim is to protect Australia from "ungreatful [sic] immigrants" and enforce a "love it or leave" policy.

The profile links back to Mr Cottier's personal Facebook page, and while he admits liking several of the causes — such as naming child sex offenders — he did not know why the Aussie Pride page showed up on his profile.

Mr Cottier said he was prompted to change his Facebook password several weeks ago because his profile had been accessed from an unusual location.

This is when he believes the page was hacked.

He reported the incident to the police on Monday and lodged a formal complaint with the Victorian Electoral Commission.

Mr Cottier's 'Causes' profile is now deactivated.

In a statement to the Weekly, Mr Cottier said the group was "racist, unnecessary and extremely offensive to myself and others".

"This is a political set up and will only serve to give me strength and fuel my resolve to be even more successful in this campaign."

What do you think? Post a comment below.

COUNCIL ELECTION COMMENTS

IN the lead-up to council elections on Saturday, October 27, the Weekly requires letters and comments on municipal issues submitted for publication, whether online or in print, to carry the author's or commentator's full address and telephone number, for purposes of verification only. The Weekly reserves the right to exclude material that is not fully identified. The editor's decisions will be final.

The editor

Smartphone
Tablet - Narrow
Tablet - Wide
Desktop