Australian PM denounces ‘Reprehensible’ attack on Muslim Women amid backlash
Sydney — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday denounced a “reprehensible” assault on two Muslim women at a Melbourne shopping centre, rejecting claims that Islamophobia is treated less seriously than anti-Semitism.
The February 13 incident has sparked outrage within Australia’s Islamic community, with Test cricketer Usman Khawaja among those highlighting what they see as an inadequate government response to threats against Muslims.
When asked whether the government would have reacted more swiftly if the attack had been anti-Semitic, Albanese told journalists that any attack based on religion was unacceptable.
“I take all attacks on people on the basis of their faith seriously, and they should all face the full force of the law,” he said.
Albanese had faced criticism earlier in the week for not addressing the attack sooner. Australian leaders have been vocal in condemning a string of anti-Semitic incidents in recent months, including the torching of a Sydney childcare centre, the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue, and anti-Semitic graffiti in Jewish neighbourhoods.
However, on Monday, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils expressed concern over what it described as a rising trend of attacks on Muslims.
“The response remains grossly insufficient,” federation president Rateb Jneid said in a statement. “When compared to the swift and significant attention given to less severe incidents affecting other communities, the disparity in response is not only apparent but also unacceptable.”
Aftab Malik, Australia’s anti-Islamophobia envoy, urged national leaders on Tuesday to condemn the attack and invest in measures to ensure Muslims feel safe.
“All forms of hate need to stop,” he later told Australian broadcaster ABC.
Khawaja also weighed in, posting on social media that attacks against the Islamic community were being “swept under the rug.” However, on Wednesday, he welcomed statements from both Albanese and the country’s opposition leader addressing the issue.
Victoria Police confirmed Wednesday that a female suspect has been charged and will appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court over the alleged assault. The two victims, Muslim women aged 30 and 26, reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
