The Al-Furqan Islamic Centre has spoken for the first time since the killing of an alleged terror suspect, by saying it is considering legal action against media outlets that have damaged its reputation.
AL FURQAN ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTRE ("Al Furqan") would like to extend its condolences to the family of brother Numan Haider.We sincerely pray that they are granted patience and strength in this difficult time. We would also like to express our deep shock at the tragic events of Endeavour Hills.We remain disappointed with the way in which the mainstream media has covered this event. We would hope in these troubled time that we refrain from sensationalist assumptions and rely on the presumption of innocence.We call upon the wider community to extend to every member of our society this basic right, especially if they are no longer with us to defend themselves.Al Furqan would also like to emphasise that both its centre and its president, Harun Mehicevic, are in no way involved or connected to this incident.We have contacted our legal representative and in the coming days, we will work with ICV and other community organisations to examine media articles we feel have defamed our reputation.We urge media and politicians to show the required sensitivity and to take genuine and responsible actions to solve the issue. We call for calmness and vigilance in face of growing Islamophobia and distrust of Muslims in Australia.
This morning Victorian Police Commissioner Ken Lay told the media Haider was "most likely" not acting alone.
BREAKING: Ken Lay confirms Numan Haider was most likely not acting alone, had face-to-face conversations before fatal incident.