WHITE SUPREMACISTS ATTACK PERTH MOSQUE

Perth, 27 Rabi’ul Akhir 1436/17 February 2015 (MINA) – For the fourth time in the past six weeks, Islamic mosque in Perth has been vandalized by white supremacist graffiti, in a clear manifestation of growing intolerance in the Australian community.

“These incidents are a manifestation of intolerance and distrust towards Australian Muslims,” Imam Burhaan Mehtar told ABC News on Monday, February 16, On Islam quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“Muslims have been a part of the fabric of the society for over 100 years and we are here to stay and continue contributing positively as Australians.”

The attack was discovered when alarm went off at Masjid Ibrahim Islamic Mosque in Southern River at about 1:30am on Saturday. As security cameras showed a number of teenagers running away, letters “KKK” were found scrawled on glass doors and on walls in black letters. The attack is not the first to target the mosque.

In November, a pig’s head was dumped outside the mosque’s doors. Another attack was reported in June when a swastika and the phrase “white power” were sprayed on the walls.

The recurrent attacks targeting the mosque have left the Muslim community terrified. “As every other member of society, Australian Muslims equally have the right – it’s a privilege that Australia has given to all of us – that we feel safe,” imam Mehtar said.

“These attacks are definitely contrary to Australian and Islamic values.”

As police said they were investigating the attack, imam Mehtar said the mosque had not heard anything back from police about the previous attacks. Muslims, who have been in Australia for more than 200 years, make up 1.7 percent of its 20-million population.

In post 9/11-era, Australian Muslims have been haunted with suspicion and have had their patriotism questioned. (T/P011/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)