By Tokana Hasavi Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
In Australia, hundreds of anti-racism protesters faced off with anti-Islam proponents on Saturday, over plans to build a mosque in a rural town.
Witnesses say it’s the latest in a series of anti-Islam protests that have followed on from a Muslim teenager killing a police officer this month.
The standoff stems from an ugly shooting that claimed two lives, 10 days ago in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta.
15-year-old Farhad Khalil Mohammad Jabar was shot and killed by police after he opened fire on police accountant Curtis Cheng on October 2.
Right-wing activists from the United Patriots Front, opposing the spread of Islam, faced off with members of a left-wing coalition promoting tolerance in the town of Bendigo.
The dispute began over plans to build a mosque in the town and has been simmering for months.
One resident said Muslims had the right to a place of worship.
The Islamic Council of Victoria met with police to ensure the security of Muslims, while other Muslim leaders called for unity.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has condemned threats towards the country’s Muslim community.
