Radical Islamic preacher linked to the Bondi Beach massacre suspect is told to shut down prayer hall and get out – after officials make a disturbing discovery about his meetings
A Sydney council has ordered the immediate closure of an unauthorised prayer hall operated by Islamic cleric Wissam Haddad, whose facility had links to alleged Bondi terrorist Naveed Akram.
Officials from City of Canterbury Bankstown Council issued a ‘cease use’ order on Monday after surveillance confirmed the Al Madina Dawah Centre at 54 Kitchener Parade, Bankstown, was being used as a prayer hall without approval.
A council spokesman said their records dating back to 1970 showed the premises had never been authorised for worship.
‘Our recent surveillance indicates there is a strong suspicion the premises is being used contrary to its intended use,’ the spokesperson said.
‘We have issued the cease use notices which will be effective immediately. There are no compromises, and we will be taking further action if they don’t comply.’
The crackdown comes as Haddad faces renewed scrutiny over antisemitic sermons and his connection to the Bankstown centre frequented by Akram, 24, who allegedly carried out Sunday’s Bondi massacre with his father.
The ABC, citing counter-terrorism officials, named Naveed Akram as a follower of Haddad’s a week ago.
Al Madina Dawah Centre where Wissam Haddad (pictured) preached has been ordered to close
Canterbury Bankstown Council has shut down the Al Madina Dawah Centre (pictured)
Haddad vehemently denied ‘any knowledge or involvement in the shootings that took place in Bondi Beach’.
”The term ‘follower’ is not explained and could refer to something as minimal as a social media follow, which does not establish endorsement, influence or a personal relationship.’ Haddad later said in a statement.
‘No evidence has been produced showing any personal, organisational, or instructional link between Naveed Akram and Wissam Haddad.’
Earlier this year, Haddad was ordered by the Federal Court to remove a series of ‘fundamentally racist and antisemitic’ sermons after being sued by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
In those speeches, delivered at the Al Madina Dawah Centre in November 2023, Haddad described Jewish people as ‘vile,’ ‘mischievous’ and ‘treacherous,’ called them ‘descendants of pigs and monkeys,’ and urged followers to ‘spit on Israel.’
NSW Premier Chris Minns backed the council’s action and signaled tougher laws to curb hate preaching.
‘There is no place for hate speech in NSW which is why we are supporting all action to clamp down on those inciting hate, and we will not stop,’ Minns said.
‘We support the actions of Canterbury Bankstown Council in closing down this facility. We are ready to make significant changes to prevent hate preachers or anyone else inciting violence in our communities.’
Council warned non-compliance could result in fines of $3,000 for individuals and $6,000 for corporations under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
