Anti-Islamic posters plastered over Queenstown mosque Wed, 23 Dec 2020, 10:20AM
Queenstown Islamic Centre and the Gorge Rd Retail Centre car park were targeted with offensive anti-Islamic posters. Photo / Otago Daily Times
Anti-Islamic posters plastered over Queenstown mosque
Anti-Islamic posters plastered over the Queenstown Masjid have prompted police action.
Six posters depicting offensive images and other hate and sexist material were found around the Queenstown Islamic Centre in Gorge Rd Retail Centre.
Worshipper Philippe Saint-Pere, who also teaches at the Islamic centre, said the posters were shocking. It shows how badly people need to understand what Islam is really all about.
He said when the masjid opened two weeks ago, an event was held for non-Muslims to ask questions about the faith, and around 60 people attended.
Anti-Islamic posters: New Queenstown mosque hit by hate attack
22 Dec, 2020 05:00 PM
2 minutes to read
Queenstown Islamic Centre and the Gorge Rd Retail Centre car park were targeted with offensive anti-Islamic posters. Photo / Otago Daily Times
Otago Daily Times
Anti-Islamic posters plastered over the Queenstown Masjid have prompted police action.
Six posters depicting offensive images and other hate and sexist material were found around the Queenstown Islamic Centre in Gorge Rd Retail Centre.
Worshipper Philippe Saint-Pere, who also teaches at the Islamic centre, said the posters were shocking. It shows how badly people need to understand what Islam is really all about.
“It s something I never thought I d see outside my workplace,” he said. “These guys are just trying to worship what they worship, and they have every right to do so. Upon moving in to the Gorge Road centre they brought us food and were very friendly.” “The pictures were only one part, there were printed posters with writing as well but I didn t really get what they said.” Southern District Commander Superintendent Paul Basham confirmed police were investigating the matter and were working with the Islamic Centre. “Police are taking this matter seriously, as we do all reports of hate speech or behaviour that causes concern to our communities.”
The threats triggered the postponement of eight graduation ceremonies, ruining the plans of thousands of students.
hamish mcneilly/Stuff
Graduands at the University of Otago campus, hours after their graduation ceremony was cancelled because of an online threat. Another person who the defendant met on an internet dating site is alleged to have also taken part in the offending. That person has not been arrested, police said. Southern district commander Superintendent Paul Basham said the woman s arrest would provide a sense of relief to both the University of Otago and wider Dunedin community. “I would like to acknowledge vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne, her team, and the university community for the resilience they have shown during an incredibly trying time,” he said.