Fed: Sheik Swaiti forces his way back into Canberra mosque

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2007
Fed: Sheik Swaiti forces his way back into Canberra mosque

SYDNEY, Aug 25 AAP - Hardline Islamic cleric Mohammed Swaiti has forced his way back
into Canberra's only mosque to preach anti-western messages after he was sacked for praising
jihadists.

The cleric used his predominantly Palestinian and Jordanian support base to topple
the leaders in charge of Abu Bakr Mosque in Yarralumla, News Limited newspapers report.

This has allowed Sheik Swaiti to continue preaching Wahabbism -- a fundamentalist strand
of Islam espoused by Osama bin Laden.

Islamic Society of ACT president Sabrija Poskovic, whose organisation is in charge
of the mosque, said he was forced out after receiving threats from Swaiti's followers.

"They took over the mosque by force, by argument, by screaming, by calling us names,"

Mr Pokovic said. "There is no point arguing with him and his supporters anymore."

Sheik Swaiti is being investigated by the tax office for allegedly failing to pay tax
on thousands of dollars in clerical allowances he is accused of receiving from the Saudi
government.

AAP krc/goc/rs

KEYWORD: CLERIC

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.