‘Meant to Intimidate’: Community Shaken by Incident Outside Adelaide Mosque

IQNA – South Australia Police are investigating an incident that occurred on Thursday morning, where a man left a dead kangaroo outside the Marion Mosque in Park Holme.

CCTV footage shows the man covering his face, pushing a wheelbarrow, and leaving the animal in front of the mosque before walking away, Seven News reported on Tuesday.

Ahmad Zreika, president of the Islamic Society of South Australia, described the act as "bizarre" and "disturbing," suggesting it was intended to "intimidate or express hate" towards the Muslim community. He noted that this incident follows several other alleged acts against Muslims in Adelaide.

"The actions of the individual involved are bizarre, disturbing, and clearly meant to intimidate or express hate," Zreika said.

In recent weeks, a Muslim woman was allegedly assaulted outside Westfield Marion shopping centre while with her toddler. The woman was reportedly told to "go back to your country," punched, and had her headscarf pulled.

Earlier this year, a group of Palestine supporters were allegedly assaulted in a hotel elevator.

Muslim communities across Australia have reported rising hate and discrimination following the Israeli regime’s onslaught in Gaza which has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians.

The Islamophobia Register noted a tenfold increase in reports of Islamophobic incidents following the start of the war, with a thirteen-fold increase a month later.

Last year, the Marion Mosque and Al Khalil Mosque were targeted when gas cylinders were lit outside the premises.

Zreika attributed the rise in hate incidents to negative media portrayals of Muslims and political rhetoric following international events.

"(The) media often portrays Muslims negatively, contributing to fear and mistrust. Some political leaders exploit these fears to gain support or push specific agendas," he said. "Additionally, a lack of understanding and limited knowledge of Islam and Muslim cultures exacerbates these issues."

Zreika called on Australian leaders at all levels of government to take more action against Islamophobia. "We also need the support of authorities to reduce violence and threats," he said. "Perpetrators of such acts must be held accountable, and the government must take these incidents seriously to ensure the safety and well-being of all communities."

Police stated that the man's motivation for leaving the dead kangaroo outside the mosque remains unclear.

Source: Agencies