Outrageous Threat Against Worshippers at Masjid Taqwa in Queensland

The Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia (OSECI) is aware of the outrageous incident at Masjid Taqwa in Bald Hills, Queensland, where a man allegedly threatened worshippers during prayer and was reportedly claiming to have an AK-47 in his vehicle outside.

We acknowledge that Queensland Police have laid charges, including disturbing a place of worship. While this is an important step, the incident reflects broader concerns within Muslim communities about whether acts experienced as Islamophobic are consistently recognised and addressed as such.

Recent reforms in Queensland to strengthen protections for places of worship and remove barriers to prosecuting serious vilification offences are welcome steps forward.

OSECI will continue engaging with relevant authorities and advocating for responses that fully recognise and address Islamophobia in all its forms. We stand in solidarity with the Masjid Taqwa community and all those affected.

Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia