Online Hate Comment Targets Sydney Mosque
Image: Lakemba Mosque/Instagram
An online threat referencing the 2019 Christchurch massacre has been directed at Sydney’s Lakemba Mosque, prompting an urgent police investigation.
The comment, posted on TikTok, has sparked outrage, with community leaders warning of rising Islamophobia and calling for stronger protections for places of worship.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over anti-Muslim sentiment in Sydney, where religious communities have faced increasing threats and discrimination.
The Islamophobia Register Australia’s fifth report, released on March 13, 2025, highlights a significant increase in anti-Muslim incidents. Between January 2023 and November 2024 there were 309 confirmed in-person cases and 366 online cases. This surge in numbers emphasizes the urgent need for decisive action against these hate crimes.
Lakemba Mosque officials condemned the threat, warning that such rhetoric fosters fear and division. In a statement, they urged authorities to take decisive action, stating they would not wait for another tragedy before their concerns were addressed. Lakemba Mosque posted on Facebook exclaiming the need for more protection against Islamophobia.
“We will not wait for another tragedy before action is taken. We demand protection, respect, and the right to live without fear in our own country.”
“Places of worship and education should be safe spaces. Yet, our community continues to face attacks simply for (sic) practicing our faith and educating our children.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns strongly condemned the attack, reaffirming that Islamophobia has no place in the state. He assured that police are taking the matter seriously and that those responsible will face the full force of the law.
“Every single person in our state deserves to be able to practice their faith free from threats, and this racism and Islamophobia has absolutely no place in NSW,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns.
NSW Police investigate mosque threat amid rising Islamophobic incidents
NSW Police confirmed on Thursday that an investigation had been launched into the threat. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also denounced the incident, emphasising that there is no room for racism or religious hatred in Australia.
“I fully support the authorities as they investigate this incident and expect those responsible to face the full force of the law,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek described the comment as “reprehensible” and “vile,” warning that hate speech against the Muslim community is escalating. His concerns follow a similar case less than three weeks ago when a 16-year-old from Western Australia was arrested for making a comparable threat against a mosque in Sydney’s south-west.
Federal envoy Aftab Malik called the incident “deeply disturbing” and urged authorities to increase mosque security, especially during the last 10 days of Ramadan when more people gather to pray.
