Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3 min read | 16:30 pm CAT

On Monday, 3 October 2022, Kuraby Masjid received a voicemail message from an individual expressing a lot of hate and containing threats towards Muslims.

Speaking to Radio Islam International on the developments of the incident is the CEO of the Islamic College of Brisbane and a committee member of Holland Park mosque, Ali Khadri, who has also served as a volunteer spokesperson for the Muslim community of Queensland.

An anonymous call was made to the Kuraby Masjid late at night on Monday. A vile one-minute message was filled with much profanity, and more importantly, it entailed direct threats to the Muslims, Musalee’s and their families.

It is not the first incident of Muslim institutions or Muslims being abused and targeted. However, it’s the first time a direct threat has been made against a Muslim organisation.

According to Khadri, the incident was immediately reported to the police with the evidence handover while the community was informed to be vigilant.

Promptly the suspect was arrested the next day by police.

The suspect has been charged with misusing a communication device to harass, which Khadri claims is both surprising and unfair in terms of the charge not reflecting the crime.

“The crime is much more severe,” he says.

The suspect was almost immediately released on bail as the response from the police stated that there was no immediate danger and claimed the suspect had mental health issues. They also believe the suspect could not act out, and there is no ongoing threat. 

Meanwhile, Muslims have been advocating for stricter hate crime laws in Queensland.

“There has been a committee which presented to the Parliament, and In’Sha’Allah, there are hopes that the legislation will be passed.”

According to Khadri, there is bias in how these incidents are dealt with by police, especially when the perpetrators are non-muslim.

In the wake of this incident, many community leaders have received sympathy from the non-muslim community and even political leaders.

He added, “There is a lot of support and a strong condemnation of such an action.”

Listen below to the interview with Moulana Habib Bobat and Ali Khadri on Radio Islam’s podcast.