DAR AL HARB - AUSTRALIA: THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE TOOK HILALI'S WORD THAT HE DID NOT GIVE $$$ TO HIZ B'ALLAH TERRORISTS

AFP blasted for taking Hilali at his word on gift to Islamic radio
by Richard Kerbaj

THE Australian Federal Police has been criticised by a Labor backbencher for taking Sheik Taj Din al-Hilali's words at "face value" while investigating accusations he gave $US10,000 to a Muslim leader with alleged links to terrorist outfit Hezbollah in Lebanon last year.

Federal Opposition Whip Michael Danby accused the AFP of sending a "permissive message" to Australia's extremist Muslim minority. He demanded in a letter to Attorney-General Philip Ruddock last week that the investigation be reopened.

"It is very disappointing that the AFP investigation into this matter apparently lasted only four weeks," Mr Danby said in the letter, obtained by The Australian.

"I understand only a small number of witnesses were interviewed, and that statements made by individuals such as Sheik Hilali and (his confidant) Keysar Trad were taken at face value."
Mr Danby accused the AFP of failing to verify that the $US10,000 given to an Islamic radio station for an antenna did not go elsewhere.

"The failure to take seriously Sheik Hilali's words or deeds can only send a permissive message to the extremist minority in the Muslim community," he wrote. "These people are susceptible to the extremist messages and activities of those Islamist organisations and individuals who are the declared enemies of Australia."

A spokeswoman for Mr Ruddock yesterday said the AFP advised the Attorney-General's Department that "there was insufficient evidence to establish that an offence had occurred".

Mr Trad said: "I am grossly offended that Danby would question the integrity of the AFP. And to suggest that Philip Ruddock is doing the mufti any favours is beyond ridiculous."

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Stories concerning Hilali can be found here: (link)

Pertinent Links:

1) AFP blasted for taking Hilali at his word on gift to Islamic radio