Arson at Victoria Mosque: Rising Islamophobia Concerns

0:00A suspicious fire broke out at a 168-year-old former church in Kilmore, Victoria, that's being turned into a mosque. Victoria police are investigating it as arson, but so far, they aren't connecting it to other fires or calling it targeted. The building belongs to the Kilmore Islamic and Community Center, and this comes during a wave of anti-Muslim incidents across the state. Groups like the Islamic Council of Victoria point to more bandilism, threats, and attacks on Muslim sites and businesses, including a local ice cream. Shop run by Iraqi community members. Community leaders are heartbroken over the damage, with no one hurt, but the loss hitting hard. They're pushing hard for police to label it a hate crime, saying rising al-Alamophobia, fueled by some public rhetoric, is making these acts more. Common. Recent scares add to the worry, like a man disrupting a Ramadan gathering in Ballarat with threats, a suspicious package at a Melbourne mosque, and letters warning of violence at mosques nationwide.

1:01As the pro continues, Muslim groups urge leaders everywhere to speak out against division, hoping to calm tensions and ensure everyone feels safe in, their communities. That's your update from Sinny News today, powered by AI, I'm Corey with The Story.