Islamic women, children should not face terror backlash: Napthine

ISLAMIC schoolchildren and female shoppers should be spared any terrorism backlash, Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has urged.

SCHOOL children and female shoppers of the Islamic faith should be spared any community revolt over home-grown terrorism, Victorian Premier Denis Napthine urged yesterday.

Dr Napthine said a meeting this week with Islamic community leaders had revealed alarm over people lashing out at Muslims going about their daily lives.

This follows the shooting by police last week of an Islamic extremist in Melbourne and the ­arrest on Tuesday of a man suspected of helping to fund trans­national terrorism.

Dr Napthine said at a meeting between police, the government and Islamic leaders on Tuesday, concerns were raised about retaliation against law-abiding members of the faith. He said there was no place for irresponsible, anti-­social behaviour that would impinge on the lives of others.

There were concerns about fallout for children returning to school or women shopping, who may face, or were facing, abuse.

“There are heightened concerns from Islamic schools when school returns next week,’’ he said, adding the Islamic community was working with authorities on the matter. “They are certainly working with local police and the broader community to ­ensure safety for all our community.’’

Hassan El Sabsabi, 23, was charged this week with six counts of intentionally making funds available to a terrorist organisation, including Islamic State.

Dr Napthine’s comments came as a man accused of burning down a Melbourne home last month and allegedly leaving a threatening note with Islamic themes was charged with inciting racial ­hatred. Fabrizio Ferrari, 41, is ­alleged to have burned down a ­vacant home in Melbourne’s east on September 19, the day before it was due to be auctioned.

A note was found pinned to the front fence of the property with Islamic symbols and the phrase “Allahu Akbar” or “God is Greatest”.

“Only the beginning more to come here or homeland, your next move will determine our next attack ... We strike above the neck,” the note read.

Mr Ferrari, formerly known as Fabio Deluca, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court charged with arson and inciting racial ­hatred. The court was told he is also likely to be charged with making a threat to kill.

Mr Ferrari, of Doncaster, was remanded in custody for a committal mention on January 19.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: AAP