Spate of Threats at Australian Mosque Sparks Security Concerns

Australian police are investigating a series of threatening letters sent to Lakemba Mosque ahead of Ramadan. The letters contained graphic threats against Muslims. Authorities are boosting security as the mosque expects high attendances during Ramadan. Rising anti-Muslim sentiment in Australia is fueling concerns.

Australian authorities have launched an investigation into a series of ominous letters sent to Lakemba Mosque, the nation's largest mosque, just days before Ramadan. These threats, the third in a series of similar incidents, included a menacing depiction aimed at Muslims.

Police have already charged a 70-year-old man connected to a previous letter sent in January, and they're conducting forensic tests on the latest missive. With expectations of thousands attending the mosque during the Ramadan evenings, security measures are under review, including requests for additional funding for guards and CCTV.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has denounced the intimidation tactics targeting the Muslim community, calling for a reduction in heated political rhetoric amid growing anti-Muslim sentiment linked to recent conflicts. A notable rise in Islamophobic incidents has been observed following a mass shooting earlier in December.

(With inputs from agencies.)