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Australian govt asks Muslims to replace leader
The Australian government increased pressure on local Muslims on Monday to dismiss their controversial leader after he reportedly expressed support for the fundamentalist Islamic government in Iran. The Egyptian-born mufti Sheikh Taj Aldin al-Hilali asked Muslims of the world to unite behind Iran during a visit to Tehran last week. This was stated amid tension over the Iranian governments nuclear ambitions and the capture of 15 British sailors, local media reported. The cleric had already sparked controversy by describing scantily clad women as uncovered meat that invited rape and by mocking the convict ancestry of most white Australians. An Australian newspaper reported that Hilali was quoted in Iran, as saying Muslims should serve in Iranian trenches.Australia Foreign Minister Alexander Downer asked Australias Muslims to discharge Hilali, describing him as a massive embarrassment. The man travels the world making completely absurd and incredible comments, Downer told reporters. This reflects on Australian Muslims and on Australia. My view is that he should be replaced as the leader of Australias Islamic community by a moderate and reasonable person. Posted by: Fred 2007-04-10 |
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