Community leaders have called for calm in the wake of local electrician Haisem Zahab’s arrest with terrorism related offences.
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The 42-year-old Australian-born tradesman has been charged with allegedly attempting to the research, design, and model a long-range missile and a guidance system for the missile and design a laser warning device for Islamic State.
Hilltops Council Administrator Wendy Tuckerman said the AFP should be commended for their work.
”They do a great job to keep our country safe,” she said.
“It is important to recognise that nowhere is immune to these types of incidents.
“Young is a vibrant, welcoming community and one of the things that makes it unique is the diversity that exists. We have a rich multi-cultural history that is embraced by the community and it is important that we acknowledge that the scope of the arrest is limited to the actions of one individual.”
Senator Fiona Nash, whose farm is nearby, urged the Young community to remain calm following the counter terrorism operation.
“It is understandable for people to feel unnerved following the recent police activity in our community,” she said.
“But the community should find comfort in the extraordinary work of our law enforcement agencies and should also be reassured that this did not relate to any planned domestic terrorist attack in Young or elsewhere.”
“Young is a great town. I’ve lived in the area since 1989 and love the welcoming atmosphere and sense of community. There’s been a substantial Muslim population in Young for many years and the people of Young know criminal behaviour is not bound by race or religion.”
Young local Mostapha Ali said the arrest was a shock to the whole community.
“After living in Young all my life and having many good friends within the town I hope that this one individual's actions don’t make some people think all Muslims are all like that,” he said.
“Muslim’s in the community are against this sort of thing just as much as anyone else.”