Imams’ council condemns Melbourne Islamic preacher’s call to ‘take up arms’ against enemies

Independent MP Allegra Spender says the comments reinforce the need for stronger protection against hate speech

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Australia’s peak body for imams says it is “deeply concerned” about reports a Melbourne-based Islamic preacher called for followers to “take up arms against his enemies” and not take “Jews and the Christians for friends”.

The Australian National Imams’ Council (ANIC) released a statement on Tuesday after Nine newspapers revealed the preacher who goes by the name Abu Ahmad made the comments during a sermon in July.