Police are investigating an “absolutely abhorrent” letter sent to a Sydney mosque threatening the death of Middle Eastern and Aboriginal Australians and political figures.
The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), which owns the Lakemba Mosque in Sydney’s south-west, said the letter addressed to “The Mullah” was found on Thursday.
The note, seen by the ABC, incited violence against several groups, including Middle Eastern communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and a number of political figures from Labor, the Greens and “socialists” were also singled out.
LMA secretary Gamel Kheir said while it was not the first time the mosque had received a threat, especially since the Bondi terrorist attack last month, the timing before Australia Day was concerning.
“It was extremely disturbing as this is not a one-off, there has been a sharp rise in Islamophobia as well as antisemitism,” he said.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said police were investigating the letter.
“The content is absolutely abhorrent,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.
“The information that is suggesting there is an incitement to kill any human being, regardless of where they originated from, is something in my view a criminal investigation.”
Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden says NSW Police is investigating the matter. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
He said while there was no specific threat for any Australia Day gathering, counterterrorism police were involved.
“The Campsie police commander is working in close concert with our counterterrorism, investigation and intelligence command,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.
Vilification, threats to violence taken seriously, says premier
NSW Premier Chris Minns said such racial vilification or threats to violence were taken incredibly seriously by police.
“We live in a multicultural community; people come from different countries and live together,” Mr Minns said.
“We need to have big bright red lines that if you encourage vilification or violence against Australia … we’re going to throw the book at you.”
Assistant Commissioner McFadden appealed to the community for help trying to find those behind the letter.
“We are working diligently and expeditiously to look at who has authored this document and who is disseminating it,” he said.
He said people should contact their local police if they find or receive the letter.
“We want to know who is sending it, where it originated from because I am committed to finding any opportunity to find those responsible and bring them to account.”
Rise of Islamaphobia ‘needs to be addressed’
Mr Kheir said there had been heightened tension over the last few years and the rise of Islamophobia needed to be addressed.
“We are grateful for the police and the way they have been very cooperative and assisting us. But there is a responsibility for all politicians including Mr Minns to protect all Australians.”
Federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke — whose Sydney seat includes Lakemba — and Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly issued a joint statement condemning the letter.
“The threatening letter received at Lakemba Mosque is disgraceful and threats of violence have no place in Australia,” they said.
Assistant Commissioner McFadden said police would be out in force on Australia Day, with about 1,500 officers deployed across Sydney.