not happy john

PM 'appalled' by imam's defence of bin Laden
ABC Online



Prime Minister John Howard has criticised the Imam of Melbourne, Sheikh Mohammed Omran, describing his defence of Osama bin Laden as appalling.

Mr Howard has accused some Islamic leaders in Australia of failing to denounce the latest terrorist attacks.

He says he is worried that some have made inflammatory remarks which have not been rebuked and he says that behaviour is unacceptable.

He says he is particularly concerned about comments made by Sheikh Mohammed Omran.

"I make no bones about saying it, when I hear one of the imams in Melbourne saying that in effect bin Laden is a good man and that the attacks in London were the responsibility of the Americans, I mean I think that is an appalling thing," he said.

During Mr Howard's visit to London, he has said he will now consider adopting Britain's tough anti-terrorism laws.

They include a crackdown on people who incite terrorism through religious teachings.