02-05-2025
Anthony Albanese targeted by vandals who sprayed racist graffiti on Islamic school ahead of the election
The Prime Minister has been targeted in a vile anti-migrant graffiti sprawl which was left on the walls of an Islamic College.
Vandals spray painted the hateful messages on the outer walls of the Australian Islamic College of Sydney in Rooty Hill which were discovered on Friday morning.
Teachers and students of the kindergarten through year 12 school had to walk past the messages on their way into class as staff attempted to scrub it off.
The school neighbours Rooty Hill's mosque and the messages included phrases such as 'No migrants', ' Hamas Albo', and 'Albo liar' in black paint on the brick fence.
Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) quickly released a statement condemning the vandalism which took place one day before the federal election.
'This disgraceful act of hate is yet another disturbing reminder of the rising hostility faced by Australian Muslims, including children and families, in spaces that should be safe, welcoming and free from intimidation,' the statement read.
'The attack was clearly designed to intimidate and provoke fear, targeting both the school's predominantly Southeast Asian Muslim community and the broader Arab and Muslim community.
'This dual targeting makes the attack even more alarming, as it strikes at the heart of the community's religious and educational life.'
The college is yet to comment on the matter but ANIC has already requested an increase in protection from local police around Islamic sites in the area.
'Such acts cause immense distress to young students, vilify entire communities, and undermine the inclusive principles Australia stands for,' the statement continued.
'We urge political leaders at all levels to move beyond statements of condemnation and implement meaningful measures to address the root causes of Islamophobia.
'Hate must not be tolerated, not in our schools, not in our streets, and not in our society.
'No child should be made to feel unsafe on their way to school. No community should be left to endure hate in silence.
'We demand justice, accountability, and a renewed national commitment to combating Islamophobia in all its forms.'
NSW Police have confirmed the incident is under investigation.
Officers from Mount Druitt are set to lead the investigation.
'The NSW Police Force takes hate crimes seriously and encourages anyone who is the victim of a hate crime or witnesses a hate crime to report the matter to police through Crime Stoppers or triple-0 in an emergency,' a police spokesman said.
'It is important that the community and police continue to work together to make NSW a safer place for everyone.
'As inquiries are ongoing, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.'
