Sydney Siege Sparks Muslim Call for Calm Amid Backlash Fear
This article is for subscribers only.
Muslim leaders in Australia called for a peaceful resolution to a siege in central Sydney as the gunman’s suspected links to militant Islam threaten to spur racial tensions in the nation.
The Grand Mufti said he and the Muslim community condemned “this criminal act unequivocally” as armed police surrounded the Lindt cafe in Martin Place and negotiators sought to end the hostage-taking. While police say they haven’t determined the motives of the gunman, television footage showed a black flag with white Arabic lettering pressed against the window of the cafe.