Man Haron Monis
Sheikh Man Haron Monis | |
|---|---|
شيخ مأن هارون مؤنس | |
| Sheikh Haron | |
| Personal | |
| Born | 1964 (age 59–60) |
| Religion | Shia Islam |
| Senior posting | |
| Based in | Sydney Australia |
| Present post | Teaching religion |
| Website | http://www.sheikhharon.com/ |
Sheikh Haron is an Australian Muslim cleric originally from Iran.
Haron was born Manteghi Bourjerdi in Iran where, as an ayatollah, his liberal interpretation of Islam led to the detention of his wife and children.[1] Bourjerdi fled Iran to Australia and changed his name to Man Haron Monis, assuming the title of Sheikh Haron.
Haron is notable for the campaign undertaken by him and his colleague, Amirah Droudis, protesting the presence of Australian troops in Afghanistan, which takes the form of letters sent to the families of fallen soldiers in which he denigrates the soldiers as murderers,[2] and urged the soldiers' families to petition the government to remove its troops from Afghanistan. Haron was arrested on charges of "using a postal or similar service to menace, harass or cause offence".[2]
On 10 November 2009 Haron appeared in court and claimed through his lawyers to be a peace activist. He later chained himself to the courthouse in prostest over the charges. Haron was subsequently barred by the courts from expanding his protest to include letters to UK soldiers' families.[3]
In December 2011, Haron appeared before the Court of Criminal Appeal in Sydney arguing that the charges against him were invalid because they infringed on his implied constitutional freedom of political communication, but the three-judge panel unanimously dismissed his case.[4]
Why these semi-evolved cro-magnons are allowed into our beautiful country is beyond rational thought. [5]
Upon further appeal to the High Court of Australia, the six-judge panel split 3-3 over the issue.[Notes 1] Failing to achieve a majority vote in Haron's favor, the lower court's unanimous decision was left to stand.[6]
Notes
- ^ Although the High Court of Australia normally comprises seven judges, one seat was vacant and as yet unfilled at the time Haron's case appeared before the court.
References
- ^ "New Cardinals for Rome, George Bush, Muslims in Australia". The Religion Report. Radio National. 31 January 2001. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
- ^ a b Davies, Lisa (10 November 2009). "Sheik Haron chains himself to court after being accused of sending offensive letters to Diggers' families". Herald Sun.
- ^
"Sheik wants to write to British families". The Sydney Morning Herald. 28 January 2012.
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"Man loses appeal on soldier letter charges". Sidney Morning Herald. 6 December 2011.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|service=ignored (|agency=suggested) (help) - ^ http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/08/05/11/30/guilty-plea-over-dead-digger-letters
- ^ Lion, Patrick (27 February 2013). "High Court Rules on Constitutional Appeal of Sheikh Man Haron Monis". Adelaide Now.