Fake Greater Dandenong Council letters promote Islamic bylaws
Fake letters claiming a suburban council is introducing new Muslim bylaws have been dropped in mailboxes across Melbourne’s southeast, sparking a police hunt for the author.
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Fake letters claiming a suburban council is introducing new Islamic bylaws have been dropped in mailboxes across Greater Dandenong.
The letters, which use the City of Greater Dandenong’s letterhead, state residents are not to offer or consume any alcohol or pork products; females nine years and older must cover their hair, arms and legs when in public; and dogs are no longer allowed to be walked in public between 6am and 10pm, among other commandments.
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The ‘public notice’ tells residents the bylaws are to coincide with the councils ‘Sustain Harmony 2030’ program, which “aims to promote equality, increase sustainability and provide a safe non-discriminatory environment for everyone”.
The controversial letters, dated February 1, have sparked a police hunt.
Greater Dandenong Local Area Commander, Inspector Mark Langhorn said he believed the letters had been circulating since last week.
“We want to assure the community that we have consulted with the council and the contents of the letter are absolutely false,” Insp Langhorn said.
“Every Victorian has the right to feel safe and secure in the community and in practising their faith, pursuing their values, beliefs and interests.
“We treat all crime seriously, including those that attempt to incite prejudice, racism or discrimination in our community.”
Police are urging anyone who has received a copy of the fake letter to take in into their local police station and anyone with CCTV footage of letterbox drops to contact Crime Stoppers immediately on 1800 333 000.
On Facebook Greater Dandenong Council wrote: “There is a fake letter circulating on Greater Dandenong letterhead. Please be advised this is not a council communication and we are investigating its source.”
“The letter contains offensive and misleading information. We do not wish to give this more attention as this is a fake letter (not authorised or distributed by Greater Dandenong City Council) and most definitely not inline with the views of Council.”
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