‘Death to Muslims’: Attack in Ballarat, Australia, sparks outrage
The ABC spoke with victims of the attack who said they were traumatized and worried about a new age of Islamophobia
CANBERRA, Australia (MNTV) — Federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says he will speak with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) about an alleged attack on a Muslim iftar-dinner in Ballarat city of the state of Victoria, reports ABC News.
Community leaders say they are disappointed by the response from authorities so far, after their community gathering was gatecrashed by a man who declared himself “right wing”, and allegedly started punching guests, shouting racial death threats and intimidating children.
The ABC spoke with victims of the attack who said they were traumatized and worried about a new age of Islamophobia.
Burke has condemned the man’s behavior. He said police would continue looking into the incident. “People who go in to shout abuse at people and intimidate people and use dehumanizing language against people for observing their faith — don’t pretend you’re patriotic,” Burke said.
“That’s the opposite of who we are as Australians. The fact that there wasn’t an immediate arrest doesn’t mean that the police won’t be looking at this very closely.”
The AFP has issued a statement since Burke made his comments, saying Victoria Police will continue to head the investigation, but the AFP’s National Security Investigations team will provide support if needed.
Three days after the alleged attack, Victoria Police asked victims to visit Ballarat police station to write a statement.
A victim statement seen by the ABC describes the incident in detail. “The person entered the venue making threats like, ‘I will send you back to Allah,’ ‘I will kill you all,’ ‘Death to Muslims,'” the statement read. “The person started to assault [a victim] by punching him in the face and holding his neck and kicking him.”
Police said the alleged attacker was not arrested at the scene and was instead asked “to move on”.
“On arrival, [police] located a man being detained by people in the hall,” a police spokesperson said. “A 37-year-old man was interviewed by police at the scene and was then given a direction to move on. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.”
Victoria Police declined an interview with the ABC.
State Premier speaks out
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said her government would confront Islamophobia head-on. “I’ve reached out to the Ballarat Muslim community to offer my support after this horrific and violent incident,” Allan said.
“The rise of right-wing, anti-Muslim rhetoric online and in parliament has serious consequences. Ordinary Australians are getting hurt.
“I am confronting Islamophobia with strong leadership and strong laws because every Victorian deserves to feel safe.”
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