SOMALI community leaders have attacked the Australian Federal Police, while otherwise strongly supporting law enforcement agencies.
Islamic Council of Victoria president Ramzi Elsayed said some leaders at a briefing with police questioned the competence and integrity of the AFP, citing the Jack Thomas, Operation Pendennis (Abdul Nacer Benbrika) and Mohammed Haneef investigations, as well as cultural insensitivity during Tuesday’s raids in Melbourne.
Mr Elsayed said Somali leaders were traumatised, felt their community had been slurred by association and were angry at the way the arrests unfolded. ‘‘Someone said (the AFP) has more leaks than the Titanic,’’ he said.
Stephen Fontana, Victoria Police assistant commissioner for counterterrorism co-ordination, said only a few invitations were sent to yesterday’s public meeting at Coburg Town Hall, but 100 turned up.
He said the meeting ‘‘got very emotional at times’’ but the Muslim leaders made it clear they wanted to work with police.
‘‘Overall, I’d say it went well. No one wants people with extreme views committing a terrorist attack in Australia, and it’s obvious the community greatly appreciate the support Australians have given them in settling here.’’
Assistant Commissioner Fontana said some media coverage had caused angst among Somalis. ‘‘We wanted to talk to the community, brief them on the background, discuss any issues and provide any support.
‘‘A lot of discussion revolved around the media reporting and the impact it could have on the Muslim and Somali communities who fear being unfairly targeted, and that’s a concern to us as well.’’
Source: Theage
By Barney Zwartz
