Australia's largest mosque receives 3rd threatening letter

By Anadolu Staff

ISTANBUL (AA)—Australian police have launched investigations after three threatening letters were sent to the country's largest mosque just hours before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The letter sent to the Lakemba Mosque contained a handmade drawing of a pig and a threat to kill the "Muslim race," local broadcaster ABC News reported.

It also contained a reference to the man who carried out the Christchurch massacre.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed he had seen the letter. "We've taken possession of and are investigating."

Two earlier letters sent to the mosque in recent weeks included one depicting the building on fire.

Community leaders say the latest developments have made the community uneasy as several thousand worshippers attend prayers at the mosque in Ramadan.

"We've had so many inquiries about (whether) it's safe to go to prayer," Lebanese Muslim Association secretary Gamel Kheir, who operates the mosque, told ABC News.

"That's not a question any Australian should ask."

The incident comes amid broader concerns about rising racism and Islamophobia in Australia.

A national study released earlier this month found that nearly 79% of university staff and students had experienced racism on campus.

Community leaders say the threats against the mosque cannot be viewed in isolation.

Tensions have remained heightened since the deadly Bondi Beach attack late last year.

In the months following that attack, the visit to Australia by Israeli President Isaac Herzog also drew mixed reactions, with some community groups welcoming expressions of solidarity and others raising concerns about growing social divisions.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously condemned threats against religious institutions and said attacks targeting faith communities have no place in Australia.

Police say they are treating the latest letter "seriously" as Ramadan is being observed across the Muslim community.