Australia: Police investigate suspected hate incident targeting Waragul Mosque in Victoria

Australia: Police investigate suspected hate incident targeting Waragul Mosque in Victoria
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Victoria Police have launched an investigation after a suspected hate-motivated incident at the Waragul Mosque in Gippsland, where pork was reportedly thrown near the mosque’s entrance.

Security camera footage showed a man wearing grey sports clothing allegedly leaving pork products outside the mosque. Mosque officials condemned the act as an attempt to intimidate worshippers, provoke religious tensions, and disrupt the local Muslim community.

Victoria Police confirmed that inquiries into the incident are underway. The incident has drawn condemnation from Muslim community representatives, who warned of concerns over rising Islamophobia and hostility toward Islamic places of worship.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after a video of the mosque was shared on social media by an activist alongside comments referring to “defending Christianity” in Australia. Mosque representatives said the use of pork in the incident was particularly offensive due to its religious significance in Islam.

The Waragul Mosque opened last year in a former United Church of Australia building and now serves as a place of worship, community gatherings, and social activities for local Muslims.