Aussie Muslims Criticize PM’s Policies

TEHRAN (IQNA) - Amid escalating anti-Muslim tensions in Australia, dozens of Muslim community leaders and organizations have accused Prime Minister Tony Abbott of bullying the country’s most senior Islamic figure, in his attempts to silence opponents.

"We deplore and denounce the continued public targeting of Muslims through abominable 'anti-terror' laws,” the statement, signed by 64 organizations and 42 community and religious leaders, was quoted by Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday, February 22.
“The laws passed in late 2014 have been used to justify opportunistic raids on Muslim homes, have created media and community hysteria where in the majority of cases no crime was committed, and have created distressing and harmful backlash towards Muslims, especially women and children."
The statement said that they "opposed" the bullying of the nation's highest Islamic leader, Mufti Ibrahim Abu Muhammad, because of his opposition to Abbott's attempts to silence criticism.
“We also oppose the bullying of Sheikh Dr Ibrahim Abu Muhammad by Mr Abbott for his criticism of Mr Abbott’s attempts to silence individuals’ and organizations’ legitimate criticisms of his policies.”
The community statement comes amid more reports that Muslims are feeling a backlash and are being targeted by the community and authorities.
Muslims, who have been in Australia for more than 200 years, make up 1.7 percent of its 20-million population. Islam is the country’s second largest religion after Christianity.
Source: Onislam