Threatening Letters Target Lakempa Mosque Amid Rising Islamophobia Concerns in Australia
Multiple threatening letters sent to Lakemba Mosque in Sydney have prompted increased security measures, police investigations, and urgent discussions with government officials.
"There is no place for hatred or intimidation in New South Wales."
— NSW Premier Chris Minns
Timeline of Events
January 2025: First Arrest
A 70-year-old man from Belmore, Sydney, was charged in late January 2025 with three counts of sending a document threatening death or grievous bodily harm. The charges relate to a threatening letter sent to Lakemba Mosque.
During a search of his home, police seized over 100 letters, stamps, notepads, and electronic devices. Police have stated they believe the man acted alone.
February 12: Second Letter
A second threatening letter was received by Lakemba Mosque on Wednesday, February 12. Police seized the letter for forensic examination.
According to Gamel Kheir, secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), the letter contained a drawing of a burning mosque with people inside, along with derogatory comments and death threats.
Eve of Ramadan: Third Letter
A third threatening letter was received by the mosque on the eve of Ramadan. The letter reportedly contained a drawing of a pig, a threat against the "Muslim race," and a reference to the Christchurch massacre.
Content of the Threats
The letters reportedly incited violence against several groups, including:
- Middle Eastern communities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
- Political figures from the Labor Party, the Greens, and socialist parties
One letter included phrases such as "burn them out," "human waste preach here," "filth," and "scum."
Police Investigation
NSW Police are investigating all three incidents. Police have confirmed that the letters sent to Lakemba Mosque share similarities with threatening correspondence previously sent to Australian politicians, including Senator Lidia Thorpe and former Greens leader Adam Bandt.
The similarities include handwriting, distinctive swastikas, and the use of a rifle bullet dipped in ink as a stamp.
Similar letters targeting Senator Lidia Thorpe were sent to Victorian Greens branches in 2022. In 2024, another letter threatening to "kill Muslims" was sent to the NSW Greens, targeting former leader Adam Bandt and Senator Fatima Payman. Both sets of letters were reported to police at the time, but no arrests were made.
NSW Police issued a statement affirming that it "takes hate crimes seriously and encourages anyone who is the victim of a hate crime or witnesses a hate crime to report the matter."
Related Incidents
NSW Police reported four recent incidents involving racial or religious hate:
Threatening Phone Calls
A 55-year-old man, Gunther Mosslacher, was arrested and charged for making threatening phone calls to Triple Zero. He appeared in court charged with three counts of making vexatious calls and one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend. He was denied bail.
Assault in Bankstown
A 40-year-old man was charged with common assault and assault occasioning bodily harm. Police allege he attacked a 51-year-old man who was distributing religious material in Bankstown following an argument about different religious beliefs.
Inciting Violence Online
A 37-year-old man from the Blue Mountains was charged for allegedly inciting violence through online social media posts. Police allege the man made posts encouraging violence towards certain politicians.
Government Response
NSW Premier Chris Minns
Following the second letter, Premier Minns asserted that "there is no place for hatred or intimidation in New South Wales." He confirmed speaking with the Lebanese Muslim Association to express support, stating that people should be able to pray without fear. Minns pledged the NSW Government would continue to address Islamophobia, racism, and all forms of religious hatred.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley
Catley confirmed that a police operation, overseen by Operation Shelter, would monitor and patrol events throughout Ramadan. Additional resources will be deployed to religious and community sites based on needs and risks.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister condemned statements by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson regarding Muslims, drawing a connection between her words and the threatening letters sent to Lakemba Mosque.
Political Statements and Reactions
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson made comments asserting that certain suburbs, such as Lakemba, are inaccessible to some people due to their large Muslim populations.
Omar Abdo expressed concern that Senator Hanson's remarks foster suspicion within the public. The Australian National Imams Council stated that the comments undermine multiculturalism and promote division.
Australia's Islamophobia envoy, Aftab Malik, extended an invitation to Senator Hanson for a meeting during iftar. Malik defended the invitation as an effort for dialogue. Senator Hanson's office subsequently indicated that they had not received such an invitation.
Security Measures
Lakemba Mosque
The mosque is increasing security for Ramadan celebrations. Gamel Kheir stated that security guards would be present day and night, a measure not consistently implemented since the Cronulla race riots. Approximately 50,000 people are anticipated at the mosque and surrounding area for Eid celebrations.
Kheir requested urgent talks with Premier Minns to discuss community protection, particularly ahead of Ramadan, which began on February 18. Kheir indicated that the Premier agreed to discussions.
Melbourne Grand Mosque
In Victoria, the Melbourne Grand Mosque has also enhanced security ahead of Ramadan. Its secretary, Imran Khan Mohammed, reported increased Islamophobic incidents, including anti-Muslim graffiti in December. The mosque launched a hotline for worshippers to report Islamophobic incidents.
Islamophobia Data
Aftab Malik estimated a 40% rise in Islamophobic incidents since the Bondi attacks in December 2024. Incidents reported include abusive calls, mosque vandalism, and physical assaults.
Nora Amath, executive director of Islamophobia Register Australia, highlighted a correlation between divisive language and an increase in reported Islamophobic incidents. She stated that the "othering" of groups can lead to increased online hate, discrimination, and assault.
Community Concerns
Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, president of the Australian National Imams Council, noted "mixed emotions" leading up to Ramadan due to global events and local tensions.
Ramia Abdo Sultan, a Sydney-based lawyer, highlighted the sense of guilt among some due to relatives in Gaza experiencing Ramadan without adequate food and aid.
Usman Khawaja, former Australian cricketer, reported that his mother, Fauzia, was verbally abused by two Australian supporters while watching him play in the 2024 Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG. Khawaja stated he has experienced Islamophobia since childhood and noted that Muslim women who wear hijabs are particularly targeted.
Gamel Kheir drew parallels between the current climate and the period leading up to the Cronulla riots two decades prior. Some community members, like Yusra Metwally, have expressed personal fear for their safety and that of their children due to divisive rhetoric.
Calls for Action
Senator Lidia Thorpe plans to meet with government ministers to advocate for the implementation of the Australian Human Rights Commission's National Anti-Racism Framework. She urged politicians to address racist threats of violence against "black and brown" communities seriously and explicitly identify "white supremacy."
Kheir called for political leaders to foster community unity, particularly during Ramadan, and criticized inflammatory public comments. He raised concerns about the financial burden of security for 30 days across multiple mosques in Sydney and regional NSW, suggesting that a perceived "silence of government" could embolden racist individuals.