‘An Attack on Safety and Respect’: Muslim Activist Urges Urgency After Queensland Threats
The remarks came after two separate alleged incidents last week — a threatening email sent to the Islamic College of Brisbane on Friday and a reported bomb hoax at Arundel Mosque on Sunday. Both cases prompted police investigations, The Guardian reported on Tuesday.
Nora Amath, co-executive director of the Islamophobia Register Australia, said the incidents had deeply unsettled Queensland’s Muslim community. She said they represented “an attack on the fundamental principles of safety, inclusivity, and respect that underpin Australia’s multicultural society.”
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The Islamophobia Register, a not-for-profit that records anti-Muslim incidents, said it was concerned about a climate of fear and anxiety. Its most recent report, released in May with Monash and Deakin university researchers, found Islamophobia had surged in 2023–2024, with a 1,300% rise in reports after the start of war between Gaza resistance groups and Israeli occupation forces.
Queensland premier David Crisafulli condemned the threats, saying most Queenslanders were inclusive but “there are a handful of people who have hate in their heart.” He said anyone targeting worshippers should “face the full force of the law” and urged political leaders to speak out.
The Australian National Imams Council said it was “deeply alarmed” by the threats, while Amath called for police to treat the issue with urgency. She also appealed to political leaders and the public to reject Islamophobia, racism, and xenophobia in all forms.
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Queensland Police confirmed a 34-year-old man from Labrador had been charged over the Arundel Mosque incident with bomb hoax, trespass, and obstructing police. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Police said the suspicious item found at the mosque was determined to be safe, adding that “there was no risk to the community.” They also said the email threat against the school did not endanger students or staff and there was no evidence of racial or religious motivation.
The Islamic College of Brisbane, located in Karawatha, has about 1,692 students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, though most are Muslim.
Source: Agencies
