Controversial Islamic preacher Wissam Haddad has spoken out, asserting that there is “no evidence” linking him to the prime suspect in the recent Bondi terror attack. This declaration comes amidst heightened scrutiny surrounding his activities.
Haddad, known for delivering antisemitic speeches, has been associated with an Islamic center that was a known haunt of Naveed Akram, the alleged perpetrator of the Bondi shooting spree. Akram, who is facing 15 murder charges, reportedly frequented the Al Madina Dawah Centre prior to the tragic events he is accused of orchestrating with his father, Sajid Akram.
The preacher, whose involvement in or prior knowledge of the attacks has not been suggested, firmly rebuffed allegations that Akram was a follower of his. Haddad took to Telegram, an encrypted messaging platform, to issue his denial.
“This claim is undefined and misleading,” Haddad stated, addressing the rumors that have been circulating about his connection to the suspect.
The Islamic preacher shared a statement via encrypted messaging app Telegram on Thursday evening.
‘This claim is undefined and misleading,’ Haddad wrote.
‘The term “follower” is not explained and could refer to something as minimal as a social media follow, which does not establish endorsement, influence or a personal relationship.
‘No evidence has been produced showing any personal, organisational, or instructional link between Naveed Akram and Wissam Haddad.’
Outspoken Islamic preacher Wissam Haddad has broken his silence on the alleged Bondi gunman
Suspected Bondi killer Naveed Akram (above) has been charged with murder
Haddad also said claims his lectures were ‘provocative’ amounted to ‘subjective opinion.’
‘Australia brands itself as a liberal democracy where controversial or unpopular speech is lawful unless it breaches specific legal thresholds,’ he said.
Haddad also denied reports he was a ‘spiritual leader of ISIS in Australia,’ pointing out ‘there is no evidence to support this allegation.’
The Al Madina Dawah Centre issued a statement on Monday saying Haddad had no role there other than ‘occasional invitations as a guest speaker.’
Earlier this year, Haddad was ordered by a Federal Court judge to take down a series of ‘fundamentally racist and antisemitic’ sermons.
Haddad was also successfully sued by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry over speeches he gave at the Al Madina Dawah Centre at Bankstown in November 2023, which were also posted online.
Haddad made vile remarks that Jewish people were ‘vile,’ ‘mischievous’ and ‘treacherous’ people who were the ‘descendants of pigs and monkeys.’
Haddad, who also told his followers to ‘spit on Israel,’ made a video which featured a sword prior to the Federal Court legal action in which he warned, ‘we are not going to come unarmed, we’re going to fight them with everything that we have.’
Haddad asserted the Jewish people were ‘vile’, ‘mischievous’ and ‘treacherous’ people who were the ‘descendants of pigs and monkeys’
Naveed was a follower of Islam as far back as 2019
The preacher’s comments came after a video of accused gunman Naveed preaching on the streets of western Sydney emerged.
‘Assalamualaikum [peace be upon you], brothers,’ Naveed says the selfie video posted to social media in June 2019.
‘We’re here at Bankstown Station, spreading dawah [invitations], doing the work of the prophet, continuing the work of the prophet.
‘We need to spread the message that Allah is one, and Muhammad is the last messenger of Allah. Guys, spread dawah wherever you can.
‘Spread the message that Allah is one wherever you can. Spread the message by pamphlets, whether it be raining, hailing or clear sky.’
‘Allah will reward you for whatever action you do in his cause.’
On Wednesday, Naveed was charged with 59 offences including 15 counts of murder.
The attack occurred just before 7pm on Sunday, when Naveed and his father Sajid, 50, allegedly opened fire during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing at least 15 people and injuring 40 more.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said no others were expected to be charged
Haddad (above) has distanced himself from Naveed Akram
Akram, who allegedly shot at a crowd of hundreds alongside his father Sajid – was charged after he spent two days in a coma after being shot by police.
The charges against him include one count of committing a terrorist act, one count of discharging a firearm in public, one count of causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist symbol, one count of placing an explosive in or near a building with intent to cause harm, and 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder.
‘Police will allege in court the man engaged in conduct that caused death, serious injury and endangered life to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community,’ NSW Police said in a statement.
‘Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS, a listed terrorist organisation in Australia.’
His father, Sajid, was fatally shot by police during the nine-minute attack.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said no others were expected to be charged.
‘There is no evidence to suggest other individuals were involved in this attack, however, we caution that this could change given it is early in our investigation,’ she said.
