Sydney Bus Incident Sparks Outrage Over Islamophobia

A disturbing incident on a Sydney bus has sparked widespread condemnation after a 13-year-old girl was allegedly subjected to verbal abuse. The girl, Janna, was called an "immigrant mutt" and a "terrorist" by a 50-year-old man, who was charged on Tuesday.

The incident began when Janna stood up for another girl in a hijab who the man was allegedly taking photos of without her knowledge. According to NSW Police, the man was arrested at a Greenacre home about 2:20pm on Tuesday and charged with stalking and intimidation intending fear or physical harm.

Australia's special envoy, Aftab Malik, has condemned the alleged abuse, saying "Unfortunately, the Islamophobia victim pool is getting younger, according to the Islamophobia Register Australia." He added that "Islamophobia does not require spectacular violence to cause serious harm to people."

Malik also invited Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to work directly with his office to take active steps to ensure the safety of Muslim school children wearing the hijab. TfNSW said it was aware of the incident and welcomed engagement with Malik's office to discuss concerns raised.

Premier Chris Minns expressed deep concern over the increase in Islamophobia, saying "Muslim women and girls have every right to wear a hijab, catch a bus, go to school, or walk down the street without being abused or intimidated." He added that "What happened to this young girl was disgusting, and she should never have had to defend her right to belong in her own country."

Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure described the incident as "deeply distressing," saying "There is no place for Islamophobia in our community. Racism and religious hatred have no place in our society."

According to Islamophobia Register Australia, there has been a 612 per cent jump in reported Islamophobic attacks across Australia in the last three years. The organisation's executive director, Aishah Ali, said government funding had dried up, and they would have to rely on community fundraising to stay operational.

Janna's mother, Roula, attributed the unprecedented levels of Islamophobia to some politicians, saying "I think some of the politicians have … a lot to do with this." She added that women should be supported in their choices, saying "It's their choice. You want to walk out naked or want to walk out dressed up, your choice."

The man charged over the incident was refused bail and is set to appear before Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday.