The Al Madina Dawah Centre in Bankstown, Sydney, linked to controversial Islamic preacher Wisam Haddad, has announced its permanent closure. The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny following the Bondi terror attack in December 2023 and as authorities enforce stricter hate speech laws.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The prayer hall posted its closure announcement on Facebook on Wednesday, stating it would no longer operate. The move follows a Canterbury Bankstown council directive issued last month, citing the centre’s lack of approval to function as a place of worship. The council had previously approved it only as a medical centre.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke welcomed the closure, attributing it to new legislation targeting hate speech. “The mere knowledge of the legislation has already seen the neo-Nazis and now Wisam Haddad’s group announce closure,” he said.
Deeper Dive & Context
Connections to the Bondi Attack
The centre faced renewed scrutiny after it was revealed that Naveed Akram, one of the alleged Bondi beach gunmen, had ties to the prayer hall. Akram reportedly worshipped there and acted as a street preacher for Haddad’s Dawah Van organisation in his teens.
ASIO investigated Akram in 2019 but found no evidence of an ongoing threat. Haddad has denied any association with Akram, and the Al Madina Group stated in a Facebook post that Haddad held no management role at the centre.
Government and Legal Responses
NSW Premier Chris Minns announced plans to strengthen council powers to shut down unlawful places of worship. Under new laws, councils must consult with NSW police before approving religious premises, and fines for operating without consent will increase significantly.
A lawyer for Haddad has vehemently denied any involvement in the Bondi shootings. The Al Madina Group also stated in a Facebook post that Haddad had no role in managing the centre.
Broader Implications
The closure coincides with a broader crackdown on extremist groups, including the recent disbandment of the National Socialist Network to avoid prosecution under new laws. Authorities have framed the measures as part of a broader effort to combat hate speech and extremism.
Critics and supporters of the legislation have debated its effectiveness, with some arguing it targets specific communities disproportionately. However, government officials maintain that the laws are necessary to prevent further violence.