BREAKING: Authorities in Sydney have just announced the immediate closure of the Al Madina Dawah Centre, a prayer hall linked to controversial preacher Wissam Haddad. This urgent action comes after the Federal Court found Haddad’s sermons to be “fundamentally racist and anti-Semitic,” raising alarm bells within the community.
The Canterbury-Bankstown City Council confirmed that the prayer hall, situated on Kitchener Parade in Bankstown, was operating illegally from a building that had not received the necessary permits for religious use. Council representatives stated, “Our recent surveillance indicates there is a strong suspicion the premises is being used contrary to its intended use.” Effective immediately, cease-use notices have been issued, with the council declaring, “There are no compromises.”
Haddad has been under scrutiny since April 2021, delivering hardline sermons that have drawn criticism from various Jewish organizations and public officials. Liberal Senator James Patterson previously condemned the centre as “a factory of hate,” highlighting the growing concern over hate speech in the region.
The Federal Court’s ruling in July 2023 underscored the severity of Haddad’s rhetoric, with three of his sermons described as containing “devastatingly offensive” content targeting the Australian Jewish community. Despite these findings, authorities have reported that Haddad’s sermons do not meet the legal threshold for criminal charges, leaving many questioning the effectiveness of current laws against hate speech.
In a show of support for the council’s decision, Premier Chris Minns stated, “There is no place for hate speech in NSW,” reinforcing the government’s commitment to combating hate incitement. The closure marks a significant step in addressing concerns surrounding extremist ideologies in the region.
Haddad, known within the Muslim community as Abu Ousayd, could not be reached for immediate comment. His historical connections to extremist figures, including one linked to the December 14 Bondi shooting, add to the controversy surrounding his sermons.
As this situation develops, experts are calling for further action against hate preachers like Haddad. Josh Roose, a specialist in radicalization and religious extremism, emphasized the need for stronger interventions, stating, “More action needs to be taken against hate preachers and extremist groups who hide in plain sight.”
This latest development has immediate implications for community safety and the ongoing discourse on freedom of speech versus hate speech in Australia. Residents are urged to stay informed as further actions from local authorities are expected in the coming days.
