Elham Asaad Buaras

A 20-year-old man was arrested last month after storming a mosque in Sydney and smashing various items including 13 windows, fixtures and handmade antique chandeliers, causing up to $100,000 in damage.

A man was arrested at the scene after police were called to Sydney’s Auburn Gallipoli Mosque about 7 pm on October 25.

He was charged with destroying or damaging property and breach of bail, he was held in custody at a mental health facility for assessment.

Chair of the Gallipoli Turkish Cultural Foundation, Abdurrahman Asaroglu, said in a statement that someone entered the mosque before causing “significant” damage.

He said that the mosque had become a target for Islamophobes, “being such an iconic Turkish Mosque we have unfortunately become a lightning rod for anyone wanting to express their anti-Muslim or Anti-Turk sentiment.

By standing in solidarity with each other, we can ensure these individuals do not achieve their desired outcomes.”