- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 15 Dec 2025 01:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Sydney is grappling with a wave of outrage and grief after a deadly terrorist attack and a subsequent desecration of a Muslim cemetery in southwest Sydney. On Sunday, two attackers opened fire on Jewish celebrants at Bondi Beach, killing at least 16 people and injuring 42, including four children. Authorities have identified the shooters as Pakistani father-and-son duo, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24.
On Monday, New South Wales police reported that a Muslim cemetery in Narellan, located on Richardson Road, had been vandalised with severed pig heads and other animal remains. Police received the report around 6 am (local time) and officers from Camden Police Area Command attended the scene. Several pig heads were discovered at the cemetery entrance. Authorities confirmed that the animal remains have been removed and disposed of appropriately, and inquiries into the incident are ongoing.
Cemetery Owned By Lebanese Muslim Association
The cemetery, owned by the Lebanese Muslim Association since 2008, was purchased to address a shortage of Muslim burial sites on the grounds of St Thomas’ Anglican Church. Community leaders condemned the desecration, calling it a further provocation following the tragic attack at Bondi Beach.
Police confirmed that 14 victims died at the scene of the shooting, with two more succumbing to injuries in hospital. Victims ranged from 10 to 87 years old. Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene, while his son, Naveed Akram, remains critically injured and under police guard.
Community Condemnation
Prominent Islamic leader Dr Jamal Rifi said that the attackers’ actions were not representative of Islam. “What they have done is not condoned by any of us. Killing innocent civilians is, according to our faith, equivalent to killing all humanity,” he said. Dr Rifi also noted that the Muslim community responded similarly during the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege, condemning the violence and promoting solidarity with affected communities.
Major Muslim organisations have issued statements denouncing the attack. The Darul Fatwa Islamic High Council of Australia described the massacre as “completely inconsistent with Australian values and the principles of peaceful coexistence.” The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association expressed shock and sorrow over the attack, stating on X that they “stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in this time of deep sorrow and grief.”
Calls For Gun Law Reforms
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns have vowed to reform gun laws following the attack. Albanese described the Bondi Beach shooting as “a deliberate act targeting the Jewish community,” while police continue to investigate the father-son duo and secure affected areas.