Pauline Hanson, the leader of One Nation, finds herself at the center of a political storm after making a controversial statement about Muslims in Australia. During a recent Sky News interview, Hanson claimed there are “no good Muslims” in the country, a remark that has stirred significant backlash. In response to the uproar, she issued an apology that many critics deemed insincere, expressing regret only “if” her comments had offended Muslims. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed on Friday to NCA Newswire that they had received crime reports related to this issue and are keeping a close watch on the situation.

Hanson reacted fiercely to the AFP’s involvement, accusing the authorities of conspiring to imprison her by exploiting new hate speech legislation. She took to social media on Friday afternoon, stating, “They’re trying to use Labor’s new hate speech laws to put me back in jail.” She further criticized the political left, urging them to stop deceiving the public. Hanson drew attention to past incidents such as those in Bondi, the Lindt Cafe siege, and the murder of Curtis Cheng, warning that failing to address these issues could lead Australia down the same troubled path as some Western nations.

Barnaby Joyce, a recent One Nation recruit, was caught off guard by the developments. Speaking to the ABC, he admitted he was unaware of the AFP’s statement and needed more information before commenting. Meanwhile, Hanson returned to Sky News on Wednesday to address the criticism her remarks had sparked. She clarified, “If there is a person out there who is a Muslim and does not support sharia law, female circumcision, child marriages, who supports our culture, our way of life, and our laws, then I apologize to you – if my comment has offended you.” However, she stopped short of retracting her broader concerns about cultural integration.

‘Why do I have to be shut down because I’m concerned about the future of this nation? Why am I shut down because I am concerned,’ she said. ‘I don’t want Australia to become like England. I don’t want a caliphate across the world, that’s [what] they’re pushing for. I don’t want to see sharia law. I don’t want the burqas worn by women.’ When given the opportunity to apologise by Kenny, Hanson instead doubled down: ‘I’ve stated my case … and I’ve said, if I’ve offended people on what my beliefs are and they are Muslim, then I do apologise to those people’. Hanson’s comments were widely slammed by other politicians including NSW Digital Government Minister Jihad Dib and Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek.

On Friday, Mr El-Hayek said he wanted Hanson to be charged over her comments as hate speech laws were ‘quite clear’ when it came to inflammatory language. ‘It’s an open and shut case. What she said was highly inflammatory,’ he told the ABC. ‘There is specific reference made of public incitement of hatred, discrimination, or violence against protected groups based on race, religion, or gender.

‘Clearly, her target was clearly the Muslim people. And I have no doubt that her remarks will incite someone.’ Nationals senator Matt Canavan also said the comments were ‘divisive, inflammatory [and] un-Australian’. Canavan suggested Hanson step back from her role leading One Nation as she had proven herself to be ‘not fit to lead a major party’. The Daily Mail has contacted the AFP and Pauline Hanson’s office for comment.