On Tuesday, a 16-year-old boy was charged in Western Australia in relation to an alleged online threat against a newly opened mosque in Sydney.

The comment, made on the mosque’s Instagram page, reportedly alluded to a terrorist massacre, referencing the 2019 Christchurch attack in New Zealand where an Australian man killed 51 worshippers. The boy has been charged with falsely creating an apprehension of threats or danger. According to New South Wales police, the boy was arrested at Eaton, in south-west Western Australia, following a referral to the Western Australia police force.

Police have stated that there are no ongoing threats to the community. The boy has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear before a children’s court in Western Australia on 4 April.

Mazhar Hadid, the president of the Australian Islamic House, emphasized the need to safeguard places of worship from hatred and violence. He also urged the public to stand united against Islamophobia and all forms of bigotry. The mosque, which officially opened on the first day of Ramadan, will continue with nightly prayers following assurances of increased police presence.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that whoever is responsible for the alleged threat should face the full force of the law. He emphasized that there is no place for racism and Islamophobia in Australia. The NSW Premier, Chris Minns, expressed his distress over the alleged threat, especially during the month of Ramadan when Muslims are participating in prayer. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president, David Ossip, condemned any alleged threat, stating that a bigoted attack on any group of Australians is an attack on everyone.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/05/teenager-in-wa-arrested-over-alleged-christchurch-20-online-threat-to-sydney-mosque-ntwnfb