Australia: Mufti not to be investigated

The Australian Mufti, Sheikh Al-Hilali, who reportedly called for jihad against Israel recently (as well as claiming that Australia was originally Muslim), is now singing a different tune — and Australia's Federal Police are accepting that he does not support an armed uprising against any state. From News.com.au, with thanks to Jean-Luc:

THE Australian Federal Police has rejected a request for a formal investigation into the conduct of Australia's most senior Muslim leader.

Attorney-General Philip Ruddock yesterday asked the AFP to look into the activities of the Sheik Taj Aldin Alhilali, the Mufti of Australia, while overseas.

Sheik Alhilali reportedly called for a jihad against Israel and met Hizbollah leaders during a recent visit to Lebanon.

An AFP spokeswoman said the force was not investigating Sheik Alhilali but refused to comment further.

"We are not investigating the matter," the spokeswoman said.

Prime Minister John Howard yesterday condemned Sheik Alhilali for incredible insensitivity over the meeting with Hizbollah.

Hizbollah's military wing is listed as a terrorist organisation in Australia but its political wing is not.

Mr Howard today denied he was out to get Sheik Alhilali but said he was seeking further information about what was said and attempting to get a copy of the speech.

"I'm not out to get him," Mr Howard told Sydney radio 2GB.

"As Prime Minister, I am reacting to something which on the face of it, from somebody who is the titular leader of 300,000 people in this country is quite unacceptable."

Sheik Alhilali last night told SBS radio's Arabic language program that he had not called for a jihad and did not support suicide bombing, a Sydney newspaper reported today.

Posted by Robert at February 22, 2004 2:40 AM
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