A 16-year-old has been charged over alleged threats to “Christchurch 2.0” a mosque in Sydney, with a number of Muslim groups stating they are profoundly concerned by the recent development.
The teenager from regional Western Australia was arrested on Tuesday and charged on Wednesday following an investigation into a social media threat against the Australian Islamic House Masjid Al-Bayt Al-Islami mosque in Edmondson Park, Sydney.
It’s understood the mosque allegedly received comments on an Instagram post from an account that referenced the 2019 mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand where an Australian man killed 51 worshippers in 2019.
The teen is due to appear in court next month.
The Australian Islamic House Masjid Mosque in Western Sydney. (Source: Google Maps)
In a joint statement on Tuesday evening, the Alliance of Australians for Muslims (AAM) and the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) described the threat as “both disturbing and heartbreaking” as it evokes painful memories ahead of the sixth anniversary of the shocking event.
“Thousands of worshippers have been gathering at The Australian Islamic House and mosques across Sydney and Greater Australia during Ramadan for Taraweeh prayers. This time of spiritual reflection makes the threat even more horrific,” they stated.
Ramadan commenced in Australia on Saturday, March 1, beginning a holy month of deep spiritual reflection and celebration.
“Ramadan is a period of peace and unity, with mosques filled with the faithful. To threaten a mosque during this blessed month, when worshippers are vulnerable, is not just an attack on individuals — it’s a deliberate act of terror targeting religious freedom and peace, amplified by its timing,” ANIC and AAM said.
They added that a disturbing rise in Islamophobic attacks is contributing to a climate “of fear and insecurity”.
Last month, a 31-year-old woman was arrested following the assault of two Muslim women at a shopping centre in Melbourne’s north.
“We are working closely with The Australian Islamic House and law enforcement to ensure the safety and protection of Muslims by combating all forms of violence,” they said.
“The rise in violent Islamophobic attacks reveals a significant failure to address the issue, highlighting the urgent need for the government and law enforcement to do more in combating Islamophobia and ensuring the safety and rights of Muslim communities.”
Mazhar Hadid, president of the Australian Islamic House, added he was “profoundly concerned” his mosque had received a threat referencing the “tragic” 2019 attack.
“The mosque’s leadership is fully co-operating with the police to ensure the safety and security of its community members,” he said in a statement, per 9News.
“We are profoundly concerned by this threat and take it with the utmost seriousness. Our community deserves to feel safe and protected, just like any other citizen of this country.”
The statement confirmed the mosque will continue its nightly Ramadan prayers, following reassurance from local police with an increased presence.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the online threats.
“This is abhorrent and there is no place for this in Australia. The authorities have my full support as they investigate this matter,” he said on Tuesday.
“Those responsible must face the full force of the law. Racism and Islamophobia will not be tolerated.”
NSW Police indicated the online threat was made on Monday and there were no ongoing threats to the community, as reported by ABC News.
Following the arrest, the teenager is understood to be assisting police with inquiries.
Lead image: Facebook
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