Disgraced former Sydney businessman Salim Mehajer is set to be released from prison on 18 July following a decision by the State Parole Authority. Mehajer, who previously served as the deputy mayor of Auburn, received a lengthy sentence of seven years and nine months for various offences, including domestic violence against his ex-partner and forgery. His non-parole period lasted three years and nine months.
Upon his release, Mehajer will face stringent parole conditions that prohibit all contact with his victim, associates involved in criminal activity, and entry into the Central Coast local government area. The commissioner of corrective services had expressed concerns regarding his release, highlighting the potential risk of reoffending and his failure to demonstrate a change in mindset or understanding of his actions.
Despite these concerns, the State Parole Authority deemed Mehajer’s risk of reoffending to be “medium”. The authority acknowledged that he had completed all available rehabilitation programs during his incarceration. Furthermore, he is expected to continue engaging in treatment programs with a private psychologist post-release, aimed at addressing the behaviours that led to his convictions.
In October of the previous year, Mehajer became emotional during court proceedings, asserting that he had not received a fair trial concerning the domestic violence allegations. He had also mentioned being placed in solitary confinement for his safety. Prosecutors noted that Mehajer had a history of filing applications that delayed judicial processes.
Mehajer garnered significant public attention in 2015 when his extravagant wedding celebration caused a street closure, attracting widespread media coverage and criticism.