Lakemba Mosque in Sydney's south-west has received three threatening letters within weeks, prompting police investigations and urgent calls for increased security ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. A 70-year-old man has been charged in connection with one of the letters, while authorities are also re-investigating similar hate mail previously sent to Australian politicians. The incidents have raised broader concerns about rising Islamophobia and community safety.
Incidents at Lakemba Mosque
The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), which operates Lakemba Mosque, reported receiving three threatening letters.
Gamel Kheir, spokesperson and secretary of the LMA, described the letters as clear threats. The LMA noted an increase in Islamophobia and stated that while hate mail is often received, the nature of these recent letters is alarming.
Details of the Threats
- First Letter: Received in late January, it reportedly contained violent threats targeting Middle Eastern communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and political figures from the Labor, Greens, and "socialist" parties. The letter was addressed to "The Mullah."
- Second Letter: Received on a Wednesday afternoon, it included a drawing of a burning mosque with people inside, along with derogatory comments based on religion and culture, and death threats. Phrases such as "burn them out," "human waste preach here," "filth," and "scum" were reportedly included.
- Third Letter: Received on the eve of Ramadan, it reportedly contained a drawing of a pig, a threat against the "Muslim race," and a reference to the Christchurch massacre.
Police Investigations and Charges
New South Wales (NSW) Police are investigating all three letters.
All received letters have been seized for forensic examination.
Arrest for First Letter
A 70-year-old man from Belmore, Sydney, was arrested and charged with three counts of sending a document threatening death or grievous bodily harm in connection with the first letter. During a search of his home, police reportedly seized over 100 letters, stamps, notepads, and electronic devices. Police stated they believe the man acted alone.
Re-investigation of Related Threats
NSW Police are re-investigating the threatening letters sent to Lakemba Mosque due to similarities with correspondence previously sent to Australian politicians. These similarities include handwriting, distinctive swastikas, and the use of a rifle bullet dipped in ink as a stamp.
- Similar letters containing racist slurs and threats were sent to Victorian Greens branches in 2022, targeting Senator Lidia Thorpe.
- 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 to politicians were reported to police at the time. Senator Thorpe expressed concern that authorities had known about threats against her for an extended period without her knowledge, while Senator Payman reported receiving additional threats.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden indicated an increase in reports of both Islamophobia and antisemitism, stating that authorities are diligently assessing this information. NSW Police affirmed 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."
Broader Context of Hate-Related Incidents
NSW Police reported other recent incidents involving racial or religious hate:
- A 55-year-old man was charged for making threatening phone calls to the emergency service number (Triple Zero). The accused, Gunther Mosslacher, 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.
- A 40-year-old man was charged with common assault and assault occasioning bodily harm after allegedly attacking a 51-year-old man distributing religious material in Bankstown following an argument.
- A 37-year-old man from the Blue Mountains was charged for allegedly inciting violence through online social media posts targeting politicians.
Community Concerns and Security Measures
The incidents have heightened concerns within the Muslim community, particularly ahead of Ramadan, which began in mid-February.
Security for Ramadan
Gamel Kheir requested urgent talks with Premier Chris Minns regarding community protection, noting that approximately 50,000 people are anticipated at Lakemba Mosque for Eid celebrations. The LMA stated that security guards would be present day and night at Lakemba, a measure not consistently implemented since the Cronulla race riots. Other mosques, such as the Melbourne Grand Mosque, have also enhanced security and launched hotlines for reporting Islamophobic incidents.
Increased Islamophobia
The LMA and other community leaders, including Imam Shadi Alsuleiman of the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), noted an increase in Islamophobia in Australia, contributing to "mixed emotions" leading up to Ramadan. Nora Amath, executive director of Islamophobia Register Australia, highlighted a correlation between divisive language and reported Islamophobic incidents. Gamel Kheir drew parallels between the current climate and the period leading up to the Cronulla riots two decades prior.
Calls for Action
Mr. Kheir called for more proactive government action against rising Islamophobia, suggesting that a perceived "silence of government" could embolden individuals.
Senator Thorpe also plans to meet with government ministers to advocate for the implementation of the Australian Human Rights Commission's National Anti-Racism Framework and urged politicians to address racist threats.
Government and Political Responses
Premier Minns' Statement and Police Action
Premier Chris Minns issued a statement asserting that "there is no place for hatred or intimidation in New South Wales." He confirmed speaking with the LMA to express support and pledged that the NSW Government would continue to address Islamophobia, racism, and all forms of religious hatred.
The Premier reportedly agreed to discussions with Mr. Kheir.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley confirmed that a police operation, overseen by Operation Shelter, would monitor and patrol events throughout Ramadan to ensure community safety, deploying additional resources to religious and community sites.
Prime Minister's Condemnation and Dialogue Invitation
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned comments made by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson regarding Muslims, drawing a connection between her words and the third threatening letter sent to Lakemba Mosque.
Australia's Islamophobia envoy, Aftab Malik, extended an invitation to Senator Hanson for a meeting during iftar, describing it as an effort for dialogue. Senator Hanson's office subsequently indicated they had not received such an invitation.