Australian PM forced to leave mosque over his support for war in Iran

Prime Minister of Australia at the Eid al-Fitr celebration in a mosque. Photo: Reuters

On March 20, 2026, Australia's Prime Minister left a Sydney mosque early during prayers for the Eid al-Fitr celebration after protests from those present, reports Reuters.

The incident occurred at the country's largest mosque shortly after the event began. According to sources, some of those gathered began booing the politician and shouting slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with his position on the Middle East conflict and support for Israel.

Video recordings show that the protest began approximately 15 minutes after the visit started. The protesters demanded that the Prime Minister leave the mosque and accused him of supporting Israel's actions in Gaza and Iran. Event organizers called for calm among those present, reminding them of the festive nature of the day. During the incident, security intervened and removed one of the protesters.

On this topic Terrorists kill 12 people during Hanukkah celebration in Sydney

Against the backdrop of this incident, rising tensions in Australian society are noted. Earlier, authorities banned the Islamist organization "Hizb ut-Tahrir," citing the threat of inciting hatred following the December 2025 attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, where people were killed during holiday events.

Additional discontent was also caused by recent events, including the Israeli President's visit to Australia, which was accompanied by protests. The government, meanwhile, states that it strives to maintain balance, simultaneously supporting Israel's right to self-defense while calling for a ceasefire.

Despite what occurred, the head of government stated that overall the event took place in a positive atmosphere, emphasizing that the protesters comprised only a small portion of the total number of attendees.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Iraq's Shia leader called for holy war for Iran.

Read also

Orthodox and Catholic bishops make joint visit to Mount Athos

The head of the Phanar blessed a joint pilgrimage to Mount Athos by Roman Catholic and Orthodox bishops.

UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary

Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.

Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”

The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl

UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.

Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom

The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.

Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million

Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.