Remarks by an Australian Muslim cleric encouraging Muslim
children to die "as shahids to defend Islam with their
own blood" and denouncing Jews with offensive slurs have
sparked outrage in Australia and increased interfaith
tensions in the already-strained relations between Muslims
and whites in the country.
Sheik Feiz Mohammed, whose underground DVDs are disseminated
at Australia mosques, heads the Global Islamic Youth Centre
in the suburbs on the west side of Sydney. During the past
year the cleric has been living in his native country of
Lebanon. In videotaped lectures posted on the Internet, Feiz
calls for jihad and encourages suicide attacks.
Another Australian cleric, Sheik Tajeddin al-Hilaly, who
serves as imam of the country's largest mosque, stirred
controversy in recent weeks when he told Egyptian television
the white citizens of Australia are "liars" and "descendants
of convicts," adding harsh remarks against the war in Iraq.
Hilaly said Muslims, who immigrated to Australia in a
legitimate way, have more right to the country.
The outspoken sheik's remarks drew a series of severe
condemnations by the Australian government and community
leaders — including Muslims — saying Feiz should
be tried for hate crimes. Federal police say they are aware
of the tapes and have opened an investigation.
"The importation of hatred into Australia is totally
unacceptable," said acting Attorney-General Kevin Andrews.
"The government condemns the remarks, as well as remarks
issued previously by the country's most senior Muslim cleric.
This is a worrisome and scandalous behavior pattern."
