Raids backlash

By Nicole Williams
POLICE have defended themselves against claims they terrorised residents during raids in the south east last week.
The Springvale bookshop, Al Furqan Islamic Centre, which was one of the 12 properties raided last Wednesday, released a five-page document on the weekend, slamming Victoria Police and Australian Federal Police (AFP) for using ‘heavy-handedness’ and ‘unnecessary violence’ during the raids.
They also allege the raids were religiously motivated.
Victoria Police and AFP simultaneously executed search warrants around 6am last Wednesday morning on properties in Narre Warren South, Craigieburn, Hallam, Officer, Springvale South and Noble Park.
AFP and Victoria Police executed simultaneous search warrants and seized a number of items, including a USB containing violent extremist materials, computer equipment, imitation firearms and a number of registered firearms.
A 23-year-old Officer man was charged with terrorism offences.
The Al Furqan Islamic Centre document claims police were ’heavy-handed’ and ’unnecessarily violent’ and raided family homes with up to 30 heavily armed officers.
There are also allegations that property was damaged in the raids and families signed receipts of confiscated goods under intimidation.
“The sheer excessiveness of the raids was obvious to all who witnessed them,” the document said.
“Most of the houses raided contained children, who, having been violently awoken at dawn by gun-wielding police armed with semi-automatic weapons, were obviously traumatised as a result.”
The AFP refused to comment on ‘operational methodology’ but did say its officers acted according to the law.
“All AFP appointees are required to exercise their powers, conduct themselves in accordance with their legal obligations and uphold the standards expected of them by Government, the Commissioner and the wider community,” a spokesperson said.
“The AFP is satisfied the officers acted within the legislative framework provided under the Crimes Act in relation to search warrants.”
Berwick resident Adam Sadiqzai (Khan), who is past president of the Pakistan Australia Council , said the actions of the alleged offenders did not represent the wider Muslim community.
“I ask the community not to tar all Muslims with the same brush as this minority group,” he said.
“The overwhelming majority of Muslims are productive, giving back and working hard and are very happy and proud to be Australia. Please don’t judge the greater Muslim community on the actions of these few.”
Mr Sadiqzai said any claim by the Islamic centre that the raids were racially or religiously motivated was ‘rubbish’.
“I know that the police are very proactive in moving in a positive way forward in dealing with the Muslim community,” he said.
“I don’t see our Australian or Victorian police forces zeroing in on a religion or creed.”