Islamophobic Graffiti Near Sydney School Sparks Community Outcry

IQNA – Islamophobic graffiti discovered near a high school in Sydney's west has drawn condemnation from Muslim community leaders, who describe it as a reflection of growing hatred and bigotry in Australian communities.

The graffiti, containing insults to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was spray-painted on a footpath between Chifley and Virgil Avenue in Sefton last week, 9News reported on Monday.

In a joint statement, the Alliance of Australians for Muslims and the Australian National Imams Council denounced what they termed a “reprehensible act of Islamophobic vandalism.”

The statement read, "The offensive graffiti, sprayed in black across a popular local footpath, is not just a personal affront but a stark symbol of the escalating hatred and bigotry manifesting in Australian neighbourhoods."

The groups criticized what they see as a lack of sufficient response from political leaders, law enforcement, and the media. "This ongoing negligence contributes to a dangerous perception that Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate are not significant enough to warrant real action."

The statement further stressed that acts aimed at intimidating individuals or communities based on religion or race are “utterly unacceptable” in Australian society.

The incident follows a similar act in January, when offensive graffiti appeared on a Lebanese supermarket in Wiley Park.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, whose home is in a neighboring suburb, condemned those responsible, stating, "To the thugs who are trying to intimidate my community, you don't represent Australia. Your bigotry is rejected and condemned."

Also back in mid-December last year, an Islamophobic graffiti was painted on a busy underpass in Sydney’s west.

Source: Agencies