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The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) is appalled and deeply concerned by reports that one of its own members and colleagues, Imam Wesam Charkawi, was the target of a deliberate attempt to physically harm him.
An anti-Muslim, Islamophobe and anti-Palestinian offender allegedly attempted to run him over with a vehicle. This incident occurred near Granville Boys High School during peak student crossing hours, endangering the lives of hundreds of students and families.
Targeting a prominent Muslim leader and Imam with the clear intention to severely injure or kill is an alarming act of violence and terror perpetrated against Muslims, Religious leaders and Pro-Palestinian advocates.
These reports have caused immense shock and distress to Imams and the wider Muslim community.
ANIC is disappointed and dismayed by the silence and lack of condemnation from political leaders, law enforcement, and the media regarding this incident. Such inaction sends a troubling message about the disregard for the safety and well-being of the Muslim community in Australia.
ANIC President, Imam Shadi Alsuleiman stated on behalf of the Member Imams of ANIC: “It is deeply concerning and frustrating that one of our colleagues, a respected Imam and community leader, was targeted in an attempted act of violence by an Islamophobe and anti-Palestinian offender. This individual clearly intended to harm or kill him based on his faith and views. The safety of the Muslim community is being gravely compromised. The lack of condemnation and silence from political leaders and media agencies is deafening and utterly unacceptable. We demand immediate action from the government and law enforcement agencies to protect our community and ensure its safety.”
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) has reached out to Imam Wesam to check on his wellbeing.
We urge the Muslim community to remain vigilant and cautious during these heightened times of Islamophobia, anti-Muslim sentiment, and anti-Palestinian racism.
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Australia Imam Attacked
