Australian Prime Minister Heckled at Sydney Mosque During Ramadan Event
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke faced protests during a visit to Lakemba Mosque in Sydney on Friday, March 20, 2026, for Eid prayers marking the end of Ramadan. Attendees voiced strong opposition to the government’s handling of the Israel-Gaza war and expressed concerns over rising Islamophobia in Australia.
Protests Erupt During Eid Prayers
The Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister were invited by community leaders to attend prayers at Lakemba Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Australia. However, several attendees interrupted the event, shouting accusations of being “genocide supporters” and calling for them to “get out.” BBC News reported that one protester was removed by police but later released without charge.
Government Response and Community Concerns
The protests reflect deep upset within the Australian Muslim community regarding the government’s response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and a perceived increase in Islamophobia domestically. The Guardian noted that some protesters were as well expressing frustration over the government’s recent decision to list the Islamist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir as a prohibited hate group.
Mosque Leadership Response
Following the incident, the Lebanese Muslim Association, which operates the mosque, released a statement affirming that Albanese was welcome at the prayers and emphasizing the importance of engaging with elected officials. The association acknowledged the strong emotions surrounding the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, stating, “We understand that emotions are high, particularly given the ongoing suffering in Gaza and the devastation in Lebanon. These are not distant issues for our community.” They further emphasized that engaging with the government is a means of giving voice to these concerns.
Prime Minister’s Remarks
Albanese described the event as “incredibly positive,” noting that the vast majority of the 30,000-plus attendees were welcoming. He attributed the heckling to a small number of individuals unhappy with the government’s decision to outlaw extremist organizations. Sky News reported on this claim.
Recent Threats to the Mosque
Lakemba Mosque has reportedly been the target of several threatening letters in recent months, adding to the heightened tensions surrounding the event.
Video of the event can be found on 7NEWS YouTube.