Anti-Islamic Posters: Arrest Made in Connection with Queenstown Hate Attack

An arrest has been made in connection with anti-Islamic posters posted in Queenstown.

Southern District Commander Superintendent Paul Basham said an arrest was made in connection with the posters, which were posted around the Islamic Center on Gorge Rd.

An 18-year-old man appeared in Queenstown District Court on Thursday charged with possession of a knife.

Police hope to press further charges in due course.

“We know that incidents like this are upsetting our community and we would like to thank the residents of Queenstown for the information they have provided to assist us in our inquiries.”

Anyone with more information regarding these incidents or the arrest should contact Queenstown Police at 105.

Six posters with offensive images and other sexist and hate material were found Wednesday around the Queenstown Islamic Center.

Worshiper Philippe Saint-Pere, who also teaches at the Islamic center, said the posters were shocking.

“It shows how much people need to understand what Islam is really about.”

He said that when the mosque opened two weeks ago, an event was held for non-Muslims to ask questions about the faith, which was attended by around 60 people.

Saint-Pere said that while he understood the importance of freedom of expression, that did not mean freedom to slander.