Amidst the recent crackdown on bikie violence by police in Sydney, I received a phone call from a hysterical grandmother, crying out and screaming ‘they've taken him!'. Recognising her voice, it hit me then that the police had arrested her only grandson. Even though I felt helpless, I assured her I'd do everything within my power to ensure he was safely returned home. And I guess that's where my most recent ordeal with the NSW criminal justice system began - an ordeal made all the more excruciating by red neck police officers, racist court officers and prejudice administrators.
Certainly, many of us have no idea what happens to young people, particularly those of a Middle Eastern background, once they've been arrested - how they're treated in the holding docks by police or how they're treated by judges who are given the discretionary power to control their lives like puppets on a string.
Though it may seem trivial, the task ahead of me was great - I'd need to begin by first locating the kid. What should have been a simple telephone enquiry to the local police station, ended up being a far more painful tribulation. I found it extremely difficult to get any answers from the police - I was unexpectedly interrogated by everyone I spoke to - fair enough I guess; the police need to know who they're dealing with - but it took a whole heap of effort to remain patient knowing I was dealing with officers who seemed to lack any sense of respect or any consideration for others. I finally managed to get through to an officer, who was willing to provide some sort of help, only to be informed that the kid was being charged with numerous firearm offences.
What I was set to experience next, not only sent horror shockwaves down my spine, but also reaffirmed one of the many inconsistencies present within our current system.
The kid was charged with numerous firearm charges, which carry a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. He was to appear in court that same day to apply for bail. Given the current crackdown on gun related violence and acting on advice from his solicitor, the boy had made the decision not to apply for bail. He was willing to endure a couple days locked up so that his chances of getting bail at a later date were not reduced. But to his surprise, and definitely a serious shock to us, the kid was released on recommendation of the police and his bail was not even contested.
What beats me about this whole thing is that considering the recent wave of gun violence in Sydney and the latest increase in bikie related crime, this kid actually got off quite lightly. This kid's bail wasn't even contested by the police - in fact they made recommendations to the magistrate for his release. Well, what if this kid was Muslim? I never suggested he was in the first place. In fact, the kid is a catholic of a Romanian background who bears no resemblance to a person of Middle Eastern appearance.
Naturally, I am expected to assume the system is a fair one. I am expected to be satisfied with this kid's result. I am expected to be pleased that the court requested only $500 as a guarantee for his release. Yes, only $500! How can I be anywhere near ‘pleased' when I've seen people put up not only their homes but also their life time savings to guarantee the release of their son or brother only to get rejected; when I've seen people of Middle Eastern backgrounds on far less serious charges get refused bail at first instance on the recommendation of police. I am expected to think the system is finally a just one. That finally the system is considering the position of those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Yeah right! I can only imagine how the circumstances would be different if the kid was Muslim or Lebanese. Everyone knows that had that kid been a Muhammad or an Abdul, that kid would still be locked up in some cell awaiting his trial.
Being a Muslim in our world today isn't easy. Being a Muslim or a person of Middle Eastern appearance and on charges for possession of a firearm these days is probably ten times worse - especially given the fact that the entire community is currently being crucified by the media because the local drug lord or bikie member happens to be of a Lebanese or Muslim background. Constantly using community safety and public interest as an excuse, the government has been able to get away with setting up special task forces to police our community. And while many of us are quick to defend Islam and Muslims, unfortunately at times like this, we are use less. The Muslim community as it currently exists today acts like a sleeper cell - laying dormant until triggered. We are quick to protest on the streets when the media attacks our beliefs, but we seem to join the bandwagon in crucifying our boys when they slip up and find themselves locked up. We are a community tainted by double standards, as we continue to turn a blind eye to injustices such as these, and by doing nothing to change the system we are only adding more fuel to a racially motivated fire that is engulfing the future of our community - our young people.
There is a wave of scrutiny currently overwhelming the Muslim community - we are being tormented by the government, by the courts, by the police. This torment is flavoured by racism and prejudice, and has its roots in a deeper attack on our beliefs. Things will never change if we do not stand up as a community and speak out against the underlying discrimination that has diseased our criminal justice system. Yes, many of our complaints have been ignored. Yes, sometimes no one cares. But, everything that happens must be reported. We must create a forum for the Muslim community to air its concerns. We can make a difference.
We have created this avenue as a means for you to share your ideas, as a means for you to vent - we will take your complaints forward, and we will ensure you are heard. We need to demand equality, and the solution lies with us as a community. You may or may not agree with us - you may choose to only share your story to ensure it is reported - this forum is yours. Tells us what you think and share your ideas with us now.