SYDNEY, 26 July 2005 — Australian Prime Minister John Howard and an Islamic leader have traded accusations of inciting hatred as the country feverishly debates new anti-terrorist measures against London-style suicide attacks.
Melbourne-based cleric Sheikh Mohammed Omran said in an open letter to the prime minister published that Howard’s remarks about the possibility of suicide bombers living in Australia were “inflammatory”.
Howard had criticized Omran for what he called “appalling” comments suggesting that Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden “in effect is a good man and the attacks in London were the responsibility of the Americans”.
There was an obligation on religious leaders “not to incite hatred, not to preach intolerance, and that is a responsibility Islamic leaders in Australia carry very heavily,” Howard said.
“I think some have not been as strong in denouncing these acts as they should have been.”
Omran, head of the Muslim group Ahlus Sunnah wal Jam’ah Association of Australia, hit back in his open letter by attacking the prime minister’s comments after the London attacks suggesting that Australia could harbor suicide bombers.
“This statement does nothing but entice fear into the hearts of Australians. It is your statement which is inflammatory,” he wrote.
Local Muslims “consider ourselves Australians working for the betterment of Australia. Those of us who came from other countries appreciate how the people of this country have accepted us with open arms.
“Islam teaches us to appreciate kindness and we wouldn’t do anything to betray this gesture,” he said.
Howard defended his criticism of Omran — who has said he does not believe “any evil action linked to Bin Laden” — telling national radio the cleric’s views would be unacceptable to the majority of Muslims in Australia. “He’s reaffirmed that he thinks Bin Laden is a good man,” the prime minister said. “Heavens above ... Doesn’t that really prove my point?”
Omran said he was not convinced Muslims were responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States and other terrorist outrages around the world, but denied that he had accused the US of being behind the London bombings.
The war of words came against the background of intensifying debate over new measures to protect Australia, which has troops in Iraq alongside Britain and the United States, from terrorist attacks.
Howard, who was in London on July 7 when home-grown bombers killed 52 people, indicated that the government will consider adopting Britain’s tough new anti-terror laws and make indirect incitement to violence an offence. He also said he was impressed by the use of security cameras to identify the London suspects and proposed that Australia could deploy more of them.
Additionally, the government has said it is time to look at the introduction of a national identification card, an issue which in the past has caused controversy over civil liberties.
New South Wales Premier Bob Carr said yesterday bomb detector dogs and random bag searches may be introduced on trains.
Opposition Labor Party leader Kim Beazley told a conference yesterday Australia’s maritime industry was a likely avenue for attack by terrorist groups and security needed to be stepped up.
On ferries, buses and trains, a new campaign urges commuters to report suspicious activity or bags. Using a New York slogan, posters warn: “If you see something, say something”.
Meanwhile, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils chief executive Amjad Mehboob said yesterday a letter would be sent this week to Muslim leaders and clergy asking them to stress that Islam does not promote terrorism.
