The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s decision to formally proscribe Hizb ut-Tahrir under the new extremist hate organisations framework.
Protecting freedom of religion, political debate and peaceful advocacy is fundamental to our democracy. But these freedoms do not extend to organisations that promote hatred, encourage extremism or seek to radicalise members of our community.
ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said the decision recognised that Hizb ut-Tahrir is an organisation built around an extremist worldview that undermines democratic society.
“Hizb ut-Tahrir tries to hide behind the language of politics, but its ideology is hostile to democracy, pluralism and the basic freedoms Australians take for granted.
Around the world the organisation has acted as a conveyor belt for extremist ideas. Its worldview promotes antisemitism, rejects democratic legitimacy and encourages followers to see open societies as something to be replaced rather than protected.
Australians have already seen where that trajectory can lead. The perpetrator of the Lindt Café siege, Man Haron Monis, had earlier been involved with Hizb ut-Tahrir before descending further into violent extremism.
Since October 7 networks linked to Hizb ut-Tahrir have attempted to radicalise Australians on university campuses, including under the banner of ‘Stand for Palestine’
No democratic country should tolerate organisations that openly advocate the dismantling of democratic institutions and the replacement of those institutions with an authoritarian theocratic state.
Freedom of speech does not mean giving a free pass to movements that work to poison social cohesion and radicalise members of our community. Proscribing Hizb ut-Tahrir is a necessary and overdue step to protect Australia’s democratic society.”
Mr Leibler said the decision brings Australia into line with other democratic countries that have already acted against the organisation.
“The Government has taken this decision following the advice of Australia’s security agencies. It is an important step in ensuring that extremist organisations which promote hatred and division cannot operate freely in Australia.”
The ZFA thanked the Government for acting to protect social cohesion and the safety of all Australians.