Jilted Australian 'Blackshirts' may face prosecution

An Australian men’s group has been warned that its members could be prosecuted if they continue harassing their former wives with letters and angry rallies.

The Melbourne-based ‘‘Blackshirts’’ wear masks and black paramilitary uniforms.

They exploit laws allowing peaceful protests by demonstrating outside their former wives’ homes and using megaphones to tell neighbours the women are having extramarital affairs and abusing their children.

Victoria state Attorney-General Rob Hulls said the government would seek to use the Crimes Act to crack down on the group’s ‘‘intimidatory and cowardly behaviour’’.

‘‘If they think they can pump around Victoria in their black shirts harassing women under the guise of protecting marriage and family, they have got another thing coming,’’ Hulls said.

Hulls said the group also used abusive letters, phantom phone calls and mysterious knocks on the door in the middle of the night.

The Blackshirts were uncovered by a TV current affairs programme this week.

Their leader, John Abbott - who claims the group has 300 members, mostly fathers whose wives have left them - said Hulls should apologise to his members who ‘‘are heroes and should be treated accordingly’’.

‘‘We are here to encourage and protect and defend marriage, the family and the children,’’ Abbott said.

Abbott said the campaigns will continue until ‘‘the very essence of marriage is re-established’’.

But Victorian state Premier Steve Bracks told the Blackshirts to deal with their anger and hurt from marriage breakdowns through counseling rather than by intimidating their former wives.