Sydney, Australia. Australian police said they launched an investigation after a threatening letter was sent to Lakemba Mosque, in the third such incident ahead of Ramadan.
Letter sent to Lakemba Mosque
Police said the letter was sent to the mosque in Sydney’s west on Wednesday. Local media reported it contained a drawing of a pig and a threat to kill the “Muslim race”.
Police response and prior incidents
Police said the letter was taken for forensic testing and that patrols would continue at religious sites, including the mosque, as well as at community events.
The latest incident followed a similar message mailed to the mosque weeks earlier that depicted Muslim people inside a mosque on fire.
Police have also arrested and charged a 70-year-old man in connection with a third threatening letter sent to Lakemba Mosque’s staff in January.
Security requests and community concerns
The Lebanese Muslim Association, which runs the mosque, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) it had written to the government to request more funding for additional security guards and CCTV cameras.
About 5,000 people are expected to attend the mosque each night during Ramadan. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 60% of residents in the suburb of Lakemba identify as Muslim.
Bilal El-Hayek, mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown council, where Lakemba is located, said the community was feeling “very anxious” and said some people told him they would not send their children to practice this Ramadan due to concerns about potential incidents at local mosques.
Government response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the recent string of threats.
How do you think authorities should balance increased security at places of worship with community reassurance ahead of major religious events?
