Australian National Imams Council records almost 200 per cent spike in anti-Muslim incidents following Bondi terror attack

Australian Muslims are fearful of “Christchurch-style” attacks on their community amid rising Islamophobia in the wake of the Bondi massacre, a peak body has warned. On December 14, Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly opened fire on a group of Jewish festivalgoers in an ISIS-inspired terror attack that killed at least 15 people. At the time, Islamic leaders in Australian unequivocally condemned the alleged gunmen, with the highest religious Islamic authority in Australia – the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) – reiterating that ISIS did not “represent Islam or the Muslim world in any way”. However, ANIC has now warned that Australian Muslims are being targeted for their faith and being “unfairly scrutinised and implicitly linked to acts of violence they categorically reject” in the wake of the terror attack. The religious organisation recorded an almost 200 per cent increase in reported anti-Muslim hate incidents since December 14, it said in a statement on Monday. Vandalism of Islamic institutions, verbal harassment, physical intimidation, and online hate were among the distressing acts reported since the Bondi massacre. “Muslim communities are facing an alarming surge in hate-driven incidents, including hateful graffiti at the Islamic College of Melbourne, dismembered pigs thrown onto graves at a Muslim cemetery in Narellan, NSW, and visibly Muslim women being spat at, abused and threatened in Perth, WA,” the organisation said. “Nine mosques and Islamic centres have now reported vandalism or serious security incidents requiring police involvement, forcing places of worship, schools and community spaces to operate under fear and heightened vigilance. “It is unacceptable that worshippers continue to carry ongoing fears of a Christchurch-style attack amid rising Islamophobia, hate speech and explicit threats of violence.” ANIC’s support line has also received “distressing calls” from victims, parents and employers of Muslim staff. “Callers have reported escalating abuse, threatening online commentary, increased fear for personal safety and growing anxiety that conditions will worsen in the coming days and weeks,” it said. “ANIC is also alarmed by the way divisive political rhetoric and irresponsible media commentary stigmatise Muslim communities, reinforce harmful stereotypes and create an environment in which racism and abuse are emboldened.” The organisation branded the backlash against the Muslim community as “unacceptable and dangerous”. “Selective outrage, where some forms of racism are rightly condemned while others are minimised, excused or ignored, further entrenches division and erodes trust,” it said. “Australia’s safety and strength depend on rejecting all forms of racism consistently and ensuring justice, dignity and security for every Australian.”