The horrific escalation of Islamophobic attacks in Australia

Australia has witnessed an increase in Islamophobic incidents and attacks in recent months. According to Nine News, an attack a few days ago on two Muslim women, aged 26 and 30, at a shopping mall in Melbourne, Australia, resulted in their hospitalization.

Australian police announced that the attack was likely racially motivated and an investigation was underway.

Last week, a Muslim woman was also the target of a similar attack; both incidents occurred at a shopping complex in Melbourne's north.

Melbourne police claimed that they had launched an investigation into possible Islamophobic attacks.

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) condemned the aforementioned attacks on two Muslim women, one of whom is pregnant. A spokesman for the council said: Both victims were taken to hospital by ambulance with physical injuries and bruises.

According to him, the two women are concerned for their safety and feel that the police have neglected them.

A spokesman for the National Council of Imams of Australia also said: One of the victims was the target of online threats after sharing her horrific experience on social media; all Islamophobic attacks must be taken seriously and those affected must be given serious support and follow-up.

A statement from the National Council of Imams of Australia said: These attacks represent a horrific escalation of Islamophobic violence targeting innocent people in our communities simply because of their faith; we demand justice for the victims and we emphasize that no hateful act should be trivialized or ignored; ensuring the safety and dignity of every person is essential.

The 26-year-old victim of the racist attack in Melbourne, who did not give her name due to concerns about the repercussions, said: "I have been living in fear since the incident; I am afraid to go out, I am afraid to leave my house, something I never thought I would say."

She said: "My mental and physical health is at zero, even below zero; I have been the target of an Islamophobic attack."

Islamic organisations in Australia have stressed that despite a wave of Islamophobic incidents, there has been a worrying lack of response or acknowledgement from political leaders, law enforcement and the media.