Muslim cleric backs up Sydney riots

Student Imam Abdul Samim Khant defends Sydney riots arguing that it was in conservation of their Muslim values.

“Muslims should not be known only by these riots because Islam has plenty of other good things like the Ramadan”, he said.

Abdul says the riot was carried out in response to the anti-Islamic film that provoked the Muslims communities after the Ramadan.

“Violence and protests happens worldwide and some varies but I wander why Islamists are mostly headlined in resentment.”

Abdul says this protest should not obscure the reasons of Ramadan because the holy month of Ramadan is motivated by emotions that are familiar to us all.

“Fasting has so many benefits such as obtaining God’s forgiveness, giving and sharing as well as feeling compassionate to the poor and experiencing God’s ideal happiness and multiple other rewards,” he said.

Samid Suliman a lecturer of political science at the University of Queensland says there is a long standing dialogue on the scale of the riots.

“There need to be an instituted form of discussions to broaden senses of good approaches in reporting these issues,” he said.

Cross Cultural Liaison Officer Sergeant Paul Tanzer say the Muslims had the right to protest because of the anti-Islamic film that offended them during their fasting season.

“We are living in a free society where the right to protest is a fundamental right and people have the opportunity to criticize laws and public policies.”

Sgt Paul says protests are meant to happen in a peaceful manner but if it involves vandalism and other sorts of violence the police have to intervene.

“It will be important for Muslims leaders to control their protests so that in future the public may respect their concerns,” he said.

Jess Grounds a social science student at the University of Queensland says the Muslim influences are usually exaggerated in the media.

“The main stream media is mostly biased and it portrays Muslim in a negative way.”

Sociology student Nikki Solomon at the University of Queensland said, “The mob mentality is completely justifiable since Muslims were provoked by the anti-Islamic film”.

Sergeant Paul said in Queensland the Police Liaison Committee has close relationship with its diverse cultural backgrounds.

“If such thing was to happen in Queensland it will be handled with respect by negotiating with leaders of the groups and hopefully reaching an agreement”, he said.

On 15th September 2012 Muslims held a protest against an anti-Islam film Innocence of Muslims in Sydney.

The protest began peacefully but violent confrontations between police and the protestors escalated at the U.S. Consulate, six police officers and 19 protestors were injured.

The violence was condemned by Australian political leaders, including Prime Minister Julia Gillard.