A prominent Islamic leader has been brutally assaulted in a suspected hate crime.
Police have launched an investigation into Saturday night’s attack on Ismet Purdic, Imam of the Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society at Noble Park in Melbourne‘s south-east.
Mr Purdic, 47, and his wife were driving along South Gippsland Highway in Dandenong South, near the mosque, when a small black hatchback pulled alongside their vehicle at about 7.40pm.
Two men and a woman inside the car began yelling anti-Muslim slurs and threatened to stab Mr Purdic’s wife.
Bottles and food waste were also hurled at the couple’s vehicle.
The hatchback then cut off the couple’s vehicle and forced it off the road.
The three occupants got out of the hatchback and attacked Mr Purdic, forcing passing motorists to pull over and intervene.
The trio returned to the hatchback and fled the scene.
Ismet Purdic (pictured), Imam of the Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society, was attacked on Saturday
Ismet Purdic has been Imam of the Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society at Noble Park for 12 years
Mr Purdic revealed on Sunday night that he and his wife were shaken by the ordeal but weren’t seriously injured.
‘Peace be upon you. Thank you everyone for the prayers, calls, texts. I can’t get a hold of everyone – me and my wife are doing fine and so are the kids. Thank you all,’ he posted on Facebook.
Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society condemned the disturbing attack on its leader.
‘The Imam has expressed gratitude that his children were not present, noting the profound trauma the incident has caused,’ a statement read.
‘Imam Purdic has served the community for more than 12 years as a religious leader, educator and interfaith advocate through the Interfaith Network Dandenong, promoting peace, coexistence and mutual respect.
‘He has called on all Australians to work together to prevent such hatred and violence.’
The mosque highlighted a wave of ‘rising anti-Muslim hate across Australia’.
‘Community leaders are urging stronger action from institutions, media and authorities to address Islamophobia and ensure that existing and new anti-vilification laws are enforced,’ it continued.
Mr Purdic (pictured) was injured in the vicious assault before members of the public intervened
‘The BHIS Noble Park Mosque thanks the community for its support and stands united against hatred, reaffirming its commitment to peace, dignity and social cohesion.’
The Australian National Imams Council labelled the cowardly attack as a disturbing reminder of the escalating danger facing visibly Muslim Australians.
‘We call for urgent identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and for stronger national action to confront Islamophobia, far-right extremism and hate-fuelled violence in Australia,’ it said.
‘All Australians deserve to feel safe going about their daily lives without fear of being abused, threatened or attacked.’
Victorian Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt also condemned the attack and vowed to work closely with Muslim leaders in the lead-up to United Nations International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15.
‘This violent, racist, Islamophobic and misogynistic violence has no place in Victoria and our government condemns it unequivocally,’ she said.
‘No Muslim woman should fear that she will have her hijab ripped off. No Victorian should have to wonder if they are safe driving down the street.
‘We pride ourselves on the multiculturalism that has built Victoria – but it must be defended.
‘Racists will always seek to divide us but our strength is in our diversity and we must always stand up to it.’
Bosnian Herzegovina Islamic Society condemned the disturbing attack on its leader (worshippers pictured)
Victoria Police confirmed it is investigating. No arrests or charges have yet been laid.
‘There is no place for prejudice-motivated, religious-based or hate-based behaviour in our society,’ a spokesman told Daily Mail.
Anyone with information or footage of the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers.