After Christchurch shooting: Hate crimes against Muslims in Australia intensify

PERTH: With almost a week to the horrific New Zealand mosque attack, hate crimes against the Muslim community in Australia have seen an appalling increase.

In the aftermath of the Christchurch massacre, Muslim families in Australia have been under constant danger, with as many as four attacks plotted and executed against them.

Talking to Australian publication 9News, a Muslim family shared its ordeal of living in Australian city Perth and falling victim to extreme Islamophobia.

The Hassan family’s car was spray painted with swastikas and insults overnight, including the words “Muslim” and “dogs”.

Mariam Hassan also shared how she and her 11-month-old son were asleep inside their Clarkson home when their car was vandalised.

“It’s scary,” she said.

“They could come back, and they could do something worse, they probably won’t even be afraid,” she added.

The fear is shared by countless West Australians after terrorism against Muslims heightened in the wake of last week’s tragic Christchurch shooting.

“It’s like they’re trying to scare you and say, ‘get out of my country’”, Mrs Hassan said.

Community leader Imam Burhan has called upon all Muslims to remain calm and ‘to contiue showing their love and support as they have in the last few days.’

Meanwhile, Western Australia’s police authorities have said due investigations are underway to apprehend the offender.

Police are investigating this incident as an act of vandalism, with possible scope for criminal charges under the racial vilification act.