Imams’ council condemns Melbourne Islamic preacher’s call to ‘take up arms’ against enemies

Independent MP Allegra Spender says the comments reinforce the need for stronger protection against hate speech Australia’s peak body for imams says it is “deeply concerned” about reports a Melbourne-based Islamic preacher called for followers to “take up arms against his enemies” and not take “Jews and the Christians for friends.” The Australian National Imams’ Council (ANIC) released a statement on Tuesday after Nine Newspapers revealed the preacher who goes by the name Abu Ahmad made the comments during a sermon in July.