Government workers sent home over fears of anti-Islamic riots in Parramatta
Government employees from the New South Wales Office of State Revenue have been evacuated following fears that riots may break out due to planned protests in Parramatta.
A source told IBTimes workers were sent home at around 3.30pm AEST. The NSW Office of State Revenue is just a few minutes’ walk from the Parramatta Mosque, which is where 15-year-old Farhad Jabar was at before he shot and killed police accountant Curtis Cheng at the Parramatta Police Headquarters last Friday.
Police have cordoned off Marsden Street between 4-7pm and urged commuters to “stay away” from Parramatta. They have also established their presence in surrounding streets.
Leader of the anti-Islamic Party for Freedom Nick Folkes had earlier called on people to “shut down Parramatta Mosque” on Friday, Oct 9. The rally will be held outside Parramatta Mosque between 5-7pm, even though NSW police had rejected Folke’s application.
Superintendent Wayne Cox, Commander of Parramatta Local Area Command, has warned that anyone found engaging in “reprisal actions or inciting violence against community group or individuals” would be charged and prosecuted.
“A s police, our message is that any act of violence, regardless of the motivation will not be tolerated, and will be treated as the serious offence that it is,” he said.
“Equally the rights of citizen's to hold peaceful assemblies are balanced with other rights including the undertaking of lawful business activities and the safety and security of the broader community.”
Superintendent Cox added that police would try to keep protestors and mosque attendees separate to minimise risk, although there is “no intelligence” to suggest that there is going to be any violence”. According to the SMH, at least two media outlets have received threats that their reporters outside the mosque would be attacked.
Meanwhile, over 400 police officers will be posted in Bendigo, Victoria tomorrow with planned demonstrations by far-right parties against the building of a mosque in the area.
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