As-salaamo Wa-alaikum
Following recent local and overseas events, Australian Muslims are at risk from threats and attack by the mindless, redneck elements of Australian society. There is already anecdotal evidence of increased threats, attacks and harrassment directed at Muslims. There are ways of dealing with these but tihs cannot be done unless something is reported and information compiled. If this is done a more co-ordinated response to this problem can be mounted.
An e-mail address, stopwatch1@hotmail.com has been set up for this purpose. Information gathered will be analysed to see if any pattern of threats or increased level of threats is appearing. All personal information will remain confidential but summary reports will be made available to Islamic organisations to assist them in dealing with this problem. Remember we have done nothing wrong we do not deserve to be threatened. All incidents of this kind should be reported.
The information for reporting is:
Your contact details which will remain confidential
The time date and place of the incident.
Because some of the incidents appear to be racially based it would be helpful if you could state your ethnic background. Once again this will be kept confidential.
A brief description of what happened and what was said.
As much information about the perpetrators as possible.
Please keep any copies of threatening letters etc. and report the wording in your e-mail.
Similarly report the wording of any graffiti and photograph it if possible.
All incidents should be reported to the Police. The sooner they realize that we are targets the sooner we get something done.
On the subject of the Police, there have been anecdotal reports of increased police harassment of muslims, particularly young males. This usually involves stopping cars often at random breath testing points, demanding license details and questioning drivers about what they are doing and where they are going. In some cases drivers are being detained while their cars are searched. If this happens to you co-operate with them but demand an explanation. Record badge numbers and names of officers involved if possible and numbers of any Police vehicles. If we can establish a pattern of this then action can be taken to stop it. To give this proper credibility please be considerate and report only the truth.
Help yourselves and your brothers and sisters report all harassment and threats.
Wasalaam
Adam Dargan