On Monday, I plumped myself down on the couch to watch Question Time. Lyndal Curtis announced we would be getting a special speech from the Prime Minister on national security. It all seemed quite important.

Last week, like millions of Australians I felt a mix of sickness, anger and horror at the alleged plot to behead an innocent person on the streets of Sydney. As a Muslim, I felt that these people deserved the wrath of God for their arrogance and belligerence. Every time someone suggested deporting them, I can't say I pushed back too hard.

Fearing broader community heat directed towards Muslims, I was proud to hear Abbott's passionate defence of Australian Muslims. How IS is not Islamic or a state. How no faith could condone such murder.

Then came the now widely reported part about how the delicate balance between freedom and security may have to shift. I'd always been in the "if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about" camp. And I had nothing to hide.

Then he spoke about how in the coming days, legislation to extend existing powers to monitor and detain terror suspects will be introduced. While it sounded uncomfortable, I knew ASIO and the AFP wouldn't be detaining just anyone - why would they?

Yesterday I headed into the CBD to film footage of iconic landmarks in Melbourne for a promotional video I was putting together for OurSay.org. This website allows people to ask questions of their candidates in the upcoming state election. They wanted images that conveyed civic society. As I wandered down Swanston St, I thought the Town Hall would be appropriate and took some footage mostly of the top part of the building.

As I turned to walk away, a firm hand grabbed my arm and police identification was presented. I was taken to the side by an Australian Federal Police officer and detained for half an hour. The policeman asked for my ID and wrote down my details. He also searched my backpack. (It was just my luck the Governor General was in the building.) He asked whom I worked for, why I was filming that particular building, and other questions.

I saw he was writing down my old address, and made what I thought was a light-hearted joke, offering him my correct address. He talked into his sleeve mocking my tenacity. A few moments pause, then came a chilling, "No, I don't need backup". I then noticed other men across the street also talking into their sleeves. Despite obviously being innocent, I felt they were keen to send me a message - don't mess with us.

What hurt the most was I was not being detained at an airport or Parliament. I was being detained on the street - not for having a gun or a machete, but for having a camera. I wasn't being interviewed - I was being processed.

I felt pretty desolate, then angry. I know very well he was just doing his job, but I wasn't remotely a threat to the Governor General. Maybe my being Muslim was part of his suspicion - I'll never know. But I do feel certain the events of the last week caused it. I didn't see the tourists around me with their cameras and smart phones receiving the same treatment. I also felt I was being man-handled by the people that are supposed to be protecting us and now the fine line between citizen and suspect criminal is too thin.

My worldview changed.

Ironically, I went back and read the Abbott speech again with fresh eyes. This part really stood out:

Quote:


As someone not plotting to hurt us, I can't say I now agree with that part. Of course no one is stupid enough to deny a future attack will probably come from someone appropriating Islam to give their life meaning. Islam is certainly not the first ideology to be appropriated by lost souls to feel powerful and relevant. And it's appropriate the security forces monitor those people.

But will the rest of us be left to live our lives? I no longer feel so calm when the Prime Minster says the delicate balance between freedom and security may have to shift with such calmness in his voice. In the end it's easy to proclaim - but a bitter experience to live and I hope they recognise that.

Mohammed El-leissy community worker, comedian, and former youth worker at the Islamic Council of Victoria.

I smell a rat. I think politicians are about to take away more of our freedom, rights and democracy.

St George of the Garden wrote on Sep 25^th, 2014 at 12:26pm:

 

Its a wonder it never happened before this, when you consider that Australia has a population of subservient complacent sheep

Sprintcyclist wrote on Sep 25^th, 2014 at 1:18pm:


So writes the rabid Islamophobe.  Collective guilt anybody?

So, all Jews are responsible for the death of your savior, Sprint?

It's the same level of thinking.   Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, different labels for the same thing.  Fear and hatred of others based on religion.   We see you for what you are, Sprint!   

Well said swagman.

Oh and PS, put me down on your Islamophobia facebook page too Mohammed. I'm sure there's a dossier on you as well.

|dev|null wrote on Sep 25^th, 2014 at 1:54pm:
Sprint is a religious fanatic and a danger to peace loving people all over the world. Its 2014. Don't let these simplistic religious extremests drag the rest of us into another stupid religious war.    

culldav wrote on Sep 25^th, 2014 at 12:25pm:


The number of people who accept that the best way to protect freedom is to remove it is alarming.

St George of the Garden wrote on Sep 25^th, 2014 at 12:16pm:



so true absolutely disgusting....I am all in favour of two coppers getting their heads cut off without anyone knowing.....

a bit of poo to clear up but thats what FREEDOM is all about isnt it...

you do know if these coppers hadnt been aware of this young NICE PERSONS intentions..by watching and listening. that thats what would have happened in Endeavour Hills..

of course this is all about balancing the budget everyone knows that..

only dingalings think it anything else..

dont worry lefties crook hasnt taken his eye off them nasty Libs..

thank god someone is watching them... and not worrying about their own selfish preservation...

I couldnt careless personally if some daft person is watc hing this forum....havent got a thing to worry about...I dont visit porn site or muslim sites...or any other HATE site this one  is about it...but by the sound of things.. quite a few are concerned.. .. I bet a few would also be worried if their partners find out what they have been doing..