Al-Azhar Observatory Warns of Rising Anti-Muslim Hate Speech in Australia
Al-Azhar Observatory Warns of Rising Anti-Muslim Hate Speech in Australia
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The Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism has warned of an increase in hate speech targeting Muslims in Australia, particularly in Sydney, following a second threatening letter sent to Lakemba Mosque within a two-week period.
In a statement, the Observatory said Australian police are conducting intensive investigations into the latest threat against the mosque in southwest Sydney, amid growing concerns over escalating anti-Muslim rhetoric ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. According to media reports citing security sources, the letter contained extremist content, including a hand-drawn image depicting a mosque engulfed in flames with worshippers inside attempting to escape.
The message reportedly included abusive and offensive language targeting Islamic beliefs, explicit death threats, and racist remarks calling on members of the Muslim community to “return to where they came from.” Police have seized the letter for forensic examination, noting that it is the second such incident in a short span of time.
Authorities had previously charged a man in his seventies in late January in connection with similar threatening letters that included threats of killing and serious harm.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemned the incident, stating that there is “no place for hate or intimidation” in the state. He said he has been in contact with representatives of the Muslim community to offer support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating Islamophobia and all forms of religious hatred.
The Observatory noted that concerns are heightened with the approach of Ramadan, when tens of thousands of worshippers are expected to attend Lakemba Mosque, especially for nightly prayers and Eid celebrations. It warned that attacks on mosques constitute a serious violation of human values and called for enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of worshippers.
