Australia's largest mosque has become the target of a written death threat that explicitly calls for violence against multiple minority communities, according to Islamophobia Register Australia. The organisation has reported receiving what it describes as a 'deeply disturbing' hate letter addressed to the Imam of Lakemba Mosque in Sydney.
Explicit Threats of Violence and Murder
The hand-addressed letter was delivered by post on January 22, 2025, and contained what the Register characterised as 'explicit threats of violence, incitement, hate speech and calls for murder'. The threats were directed at several distinct groups including Muslims, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Arabs and Palestinians.
One particularly alarming passage reportedly called for Australia Day protesters to be 'beaten to death in the street on January 26', while another section stated plainly: 'we will kill them if we get the opportunity'. The Register's analysis suggests the language demonstrates a clear intent to incite violence and included disturbing references to the potential kidnapping of individuals 'from the street'.
Political Context and Community Response
Islamophobia Register Australia has referred the matter to law enforcement agencies and relevant government bodies for immediate investigation and threat assessment. The organisation noted this incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tensions following the passage of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026.
'Parliamentary debate surrounding the Bill included rhetoric that framed Muslim communities as security threats,' the Register stated in their official response to the incident.
Mariam Veiszadeh, chair of Islamophobia Register Australia, described the letter as 'an unambiguous call to violence and murder'. She emphasised how political discourse can directly influence extremist behaviour, stating: 'When irresponsible political rhetoric goes unchecked, it emboldens extremists.'
'Urging people to be 'beaten to death in the street' represents a serious and immediate threat to public safety,' Veiszadeh continued. 'This letter demonstrates how dehumanising political narratives can translate into explicit calls for violence.'
Official Condemnation and Ongoing Monitoring
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed his awareness of the threatening letter during a press conference on Friday. 'I just want to make it very clear that any kind of racial vilification or threats to violence are taken incredibly seriously by police,' he told reporters.
Minns emphasised Australia's legal framework regarding hate speech, stating: 'We've got the strongest laws in the world when it comes to hate speech. We need to have big, bright red lines that if you encourage vilification or violence against a stranger, someone you've never met before, we're going to throw the book at you.'
Islamophobia Register Australia has announced it will continue to monitor threats in the lead-up to Australia Day celebrations while providing support to communities facing anti-Muslim sentiment and targeted abuse. The organisation operates a national reporting service for anti-Muslim incidents and urges anyone who feels threatened or unsafe to seek appropriate support while maintaining detailed records of any harassment or intimidation they experience.
