Controversial prayer centre fined for defying shutdown order
Convicted terror offenders have attended events hosted by Haddad, who is also known as Abu Ousayd. Haddad has not faced serious charges or been directly linked to terrorist acts, and there is no suggestion he was involved in the Bondi attack.
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The centre has previously sought to distance itself from Haddad, saying it was under new management and no longer associated with the preacher.
Al Madina Group, the centre’s new organisational committee, said Haddad holds “no management role, has no operational authority and is not involved in the administration or decision-making of the current organisation”.
Despite that, in the days after the Bondi attack, the centre shared a statement from Haddad in which he attempted to distance himself from the attack and denied any involvement.
Haddad said in the statement that there was “no verified photos” of him and Akram together, but he did not address whether he knew the alleged shooter. He added it was “misleading” to call Akram one of his followers and denied any prior knowledge of the attack.
A post from December 23, when the council announced it was seeking to shut down the centre, said that the managers behind the centre were working through the requisite Change of Use application process to be able to return to normal operations.
At the time, they emphasised that the centre was “not closing” but was pausing operations “purely to ensure full compliance with council requirements and to obtain the necessary approvals”.
Al Madina Dawah Centre was used for Friday prayers, as well as Islamic classes and children’s programs.
The council had previously attempted to shut down a previous centre operated by Haddad in Georges Hall, issuing a warning because it was only approved to operate as a gym.
After further inquiries and surveillance by the council, a second notice on the Georges Hall property was issued and complied with.
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