| AFIC condemns alleged Islamophobic assault outside Melbourne mosque and calls for national action on anti-Muslim hate |
** “An attack on a Muslim outside a mosque is not only an attack on one
person; it is an attack on Australia’s promise of safety, dignity and
equal belonging for all.”
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AFIC condemns alleged Islamophobic assault outside Melbourne mosque and calls for national action on anti-Muslim hate
30/06/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l:The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) strongly condemns the alleged assault of a Muslim man outside Al-Ihya Mussallah in Hampton Park, Melbourne. It is reported that the victim was punched repeatedly, choked until he lost consciousness, threatened with an object, and questioned about whether he was Muslim before the attack.
AFIC stands in full solidarity with the victim, his family, the worshippers of Al-Ihya Mussallah, and the broader Victorian Muslim community. This incident cannot be treated as an isolated act of street violence. It sits within a much broader and deeply concerning escalation of Islamophobia, anti-Muslim rhetoric and public hostility directed at Muslim Australians.
For too long, sections of political and media commentary have treated Muslims as a problem to be managed, a threat to be contained, or outsiders whose belonging is always conditional. When this language is repeated from public platforms, it does not remain confined to speeches, headlines or social media posts. It filters into everyday life. It shapes attitudes. It gives permission. It emboldens people to move from words to intimidation, harassment and violence.
AFIC President Dr Rateb Jneid said the alleged attack was a warning about where unchecked Islamophobia leads, “This is what happens when anti-Muslim hatred is normalised. It begins with words, with suspicion, with politicians and commentators casting Muslims as a threat. But it leads to people being abused in public, women being targeted because they wear hijab, children being made to feel unsafe, and worshippers being attacked outside mosques. We cannot allow this country to reach a point where a Muslim man standing outside a mosque can be assaulted because of who he is, where he worships, or what faith he belongs to.”
While police action against the alleged offenders is necessary, it is not enough. Australia must confront the culture that allows these incidents to happen. That means taking Islamophobia seriously as a national social cohesion issue, not only as a matter for individual criminal investigation after harm has already occurred.
AFIC calls on governments, political leaders, media organisations and civil society to commit to a serious national response to Islamophobia, including:
1. stronger recognition of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate in national and state social cohesion strategies;
2. better reporting, monitoring and public data on anti-Muslim incidents;
3. investment in community-led prevention, education and safety programs;
4. clear accountability for public rhetoric that vilifies or dehumanises Muslim communities;
5. stronger protections for mosques, Islamic centres and Muslim community spaces;
6. meaningful engagement with Muslim communities when shaping policy responses to racism, extremism and social cohesion.
Dr Jneid said Australia must stop waiting for harm before acting, “Condemning violence after it happens is not enough. We need the courage to confront the climate that produces it. Muslim Australians are tired of being told to absorb the abuse, stay calm, and wait for the next incident. Our communities deserve protection, dignity and equal belonging, not empty words after the damage is done.”
Muslim Australians are part of the fabric of this country. They are workers, parents, students, neighbours, volunteers, business owners, professionals and community leaders. They should not have to prove their belonging, defend their humanity, or fear violence outside their places of worship.
Dr Rateb Jneid
President |
