The Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) has recently issued a comprehensive briefing note addressing serious concerns regarding the counterterrorism policing events in Sydney. This note underscores inconsistencies in policing standards and highlights the urgent need for fair and humane treatment of individuals, particularly those with mental illness or disabilities.

Inconsistent Policing Standards

One of the core issues raised by AMAN is the stark difference in how the New South Wales (NSW) police handle cases involving mental illness. For example, in the Botany petrol bomb incident, the police did not involve the counterterrorism unit despite clear indications of a politically motivated attack. Contrarily, in the Wakely stabbing incident, police quickly designated the event as terrorism without a comprehensive mental health assessment of the attacker​​.

This inconsistent approach is particularly troubling when considering the severe penalties associated with terrorism charges, which can include life imprisonment. AMAN’s briefing note points out that the terrorist act charges have only been used once in Australian history in relation to a non-Muslim person and never for a non-Muslim minor​​.

The Impact of Mental Illness on Policing Decisions

The briefing note also delves into how mental illness is treated differently depending on the individual’s background. In several cases involving non-Muslim individuals with mental health issues, the charges were often less severe and included considerations for their mental health. Conversely, Muslim individuals with similar or even more severe mental health issues faced harsh terrorism charges​​.

For instance, the Bondi incident involving a white adult male with schizophrenia was quickly ruled out as terrorism, whereas the Wakely incident involving a 16-year-old Arab Muslim boy with a history of mental health concerns was promptly classified as terrorism​​.

The Call for Fair Treatment and Accountability

AMAN calls for a principled and consistent approach to counterterrorism policing, emphasizing the need for fairness in the investigation process, labelling, and charges laid. The organisation argues that mental health and young age should be significant factors in determining the appropriate legal response and punishment, rather than defaulting to severe terrorism charges​​.

Broader Implications for the Muslim Community

The briefing note highlights how the current approach by the NSW police and the broader Australian legal system can exacerbate feelings of alienation and discrimination within the Muslim community. By disproportionately targeting Muslims with terrorism charges and overlooking similar actions by non-Muslims, the system undermines trust and increases the sense of injustice among Australian Muslims​​.

AMAN’s Recommendations

AMAN recommends several measures to address these issues:

1. Review and Reform Policing Standards: Establish clear and consistent guidelines for when and how terrorism charges should be applied, ensuring mental health assessments are integral to the decision-making process.
2. Protect Human Rights: Ensure that counterterrorism measures respect the human rights of all individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as those with mental health issues or disabilities.
3. Community Engagement: Foster better relationships between the police and the Muslim community to build trust and cooperation.
4. Education and Training: Provide comprehensive training for police officers on cultural sensitivity and the appropriate handling of cases involving mental health issues.

The recent counterterrorism policing events in Sydney reveal critical flaws in how such cases are handled, particularly concerning individuals with mental health issues. AMAN’s detailed briefing note calls for urgent reforms to ensure fair and humane treatment for all, highlighting the need for consistency, transparency, and respect for human rights. For more information and to support our advocacy efforts, please visit our website or contact us directly.

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For Immediate Release:

24 April 2024

The Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) urgently calls for the cessation of the term “religiously motivated violent extremism” (RMVE) in counterterrorism discourse. This label has repeatedly fueled online hatred and, based on historical patterns, will likely escalate hate incidents against the Muslim community.

The Problem with RMVE

Terrorism, fundamentally, is politically motivated. The use of RMVE misdirects public focus from political motives to an entire religion, fostering unwarranted panic and fear. This term unfairly associates violent acts with the Muslim faith, rather than addressing the political ideologies that drive such extremism.

White supremacist or Incel-inspired terrorism is often categorized as “ideologically motivated.” However, when the offender is Muslim, RMVE unjustly implicates a whole religion and its followers. This double standard not only stigmatizes the Muslim community but also glamorises violent acts as religiously sanctioned, inadvertently supporting the narratives of politically motivated groups like ISIS.

The Consequences of RMVE Language

The reckless use of RMVE language by public officials contributes to the spread of dehumanizing conspiracy theories online, increasing the risk of hate crimes similar to the Christchurch massacre. Such terminology emboldens racist groups, escalating threats against Muslims and perpetuating fear and division.

Recent Examples of Double Standards

Recent events in Sydney starkly illustrate the inconsistent application of terrorism designations. The Bondi attacker, known to police for mental health issues, was quickly ruled out as a terrorist. In contrast, the Wakely attacker, also with mental health concerns, was swiftly labeled as a terrorist. This disparity highlights a prejudicial approach that disproportionately impacts young Muslims, who face severe biases when tried before the courts.

Criticism of ASIO and AFP

ASIO Director Mike Burgess, who often warns against inflammatory language, ironically employed terms like “religiously motivated” and “Sunni violent extremism” in a National Press Club address. Such language misrepresents the Muslim world, linking a vast and diverse community to terrorism. This not only disrespects Muslims but also misleads the public about the true causes of terrorism, endangering and marginalizing an entire community.

AMAN’s Call to Action

AMAN emphatically states that the use of RMVE is both reckless and irresponsible. We demand an immediate end to this terminology in counterterrorism contexts. The focus should shift to accurately describing terrorism as politically motivated, thus preventing the undue vilification of the Muslim faith and its adherents.

The NSW Police Commissioner’s rushed and biased designations lead to severe prejudice against young individuals facing trial. It’s imperative that counterterrorism efforts are fair, consistent, and free from religious bias.

For more information on AMAN’s stance and to support our advocacy efforts, please visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can promote a just and unbiased approach to counterterrorism that respects the rights and dignity of all communities.

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