A Sydney council has taken swift action, ordering the immediate shutdown of an unauthorised prayer hall operated by cleric Wissam Haddad. The facility has been linked to Navdeed Akram, the man accused of carrying out the Bondi Junction massacre.
Council Issues Immediate 'Cease Use' Directive
The City of Canterbury Bankstown Council issued the formal directive late on Monday. This decisive move came after council surveillance confirmed the Al Madina Dawah Centre, located at 54 Kitchener Parade in Bankstown, was operating as a place of worship without the required approval.
A spokesperson for the council stated that, according to records stretching back to 1970, the premises had never been authorised for religious services. "Our recent surveillance indicates there is a strong suspicion the premises is being used contrary to its intended use," the spokesperson explained.
No Compromise on Compliance
The council has made it clear there will be no leniency in this matter. "We have issued the cease use notices which will be effective immediately," the spokesperson continued. "There are no compromises, and we will be taking further action if they don't comply."
The crackdown occurs as Wissam Haddad faces renewed scrutiny, not only for the centre's connection to Akram but also over past antisemitic sermons. It is important to note that there is no suggestion Haddad had any involvement in the Bondi attack.
Haddad Denies Link to Alleged Attacker
In a statement released on the Telegram platform last Thursday, Haddad directly addressed the alleged connection. "No evidence has been produced showing any personal, organisational, or instructional link between Naveed Akram and Wissam Haddad," he stated.
Despite this denial, the council's action underscores a firm commitment to enforcing planning and safety regulations, particularly in light of the facility's association with a major ongoing police investigation. The immediate closure highlights the serious view authorities are taking of the unauthorised use of the building.
