Elham Asaad Buaras
A teenager has been charged after allegedly making online threats against a recently opened mosque in Western Australia, referencing the deadly 2019 Christchurch terrorist attack that claimed 51 lives.
Authorities arrested the 16-year-old after he allegedly posted a comment on Instagram stating he would “Christchurch 2.0” the Australian Islamic House in Edmondson Park, southwestern Sydney. New South Wales (NSW) Police confirmed the arrest and charged the teen on March 5, with creating false apprehension of threats or danger.
The threatening post appeared during the first week of Ramadan, a sacred period for Muslims. Community leaders expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing that such threats are not isolated but part of a broader trend of anti-Muslim sentiment.
“This threat is deeply troubling for the Muslim community,” Grand Mufti Riad El-Rifai said outside the mosque. “However, the message from mosques across Australia remains one of mercy, love, and brotherhood. Australia is a safe and secure country, and we must not allow such incidents to inflame tensions or erode our social fabric.”
Sheik El-Rifai, a respected Islamic scholar who migrated from Lebanon two decades ago, noted an increase in sectarian rhetoric against Muslims, particularly since Israel’s offensive in Gaza. Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed Australia’s strength in its multicultural values and the role of good people in overcoming division and violence.
The Lebanese Muslim Association Secretary, Gamel Kheir, highlighted the resilience of the local Muslims following the threat. “Sadly, this is neither the first nor an isolated incident,” he told ABC radio. He also cautioned political leaders against using inflammatory rhetoric that could embolden hateful actions. “Politicians need to stop playing political football with the issues of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. When they make blatant statements, it only enables and emboldens comments like those allegedly made by this 16-year-old.”
The incident comes just weeks before the sixth anniversary of the Christchurch massacre, carried out by an Australian extremist. Amid rising reports of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, tensions remain high, yet community leaders praised the swift police response, which allowed prayers to continue with security assurances.
Australian Islamic House President, Mazhar Hadid, underscored the importance of safeguarding places of worship. “We take this threat with the utmost seriousness. Hate and violence have no place in our society, and we must all remain vigilant against Islamophobia and all forms of bigotry,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, joined other political and religious leaders in condemning the threat. “This appalling reference to the Christchurch attack has no place in our nation. It is essential that we stand with the Muslim community and call out Islamophobia for what it is,” he told ABC TV.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and NSW Premier, Chris Minns, have assured the public that those responsible will face the full force of the law. Meanwhile, police have stated that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community.
