MELBOURNE, 24 September, 2025: A complaint has been lodged by the Alliance Against Islamophobia (AAI), an Australian advocacy group focused on combating discrimination, hate speech, and vilification against Muslims, particularly South Asian Muslims, with the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) under Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. This section prohibits public acts that are reasonably likely to “offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate” someone based on their race, color, or national/ethnic origin, unless they serve the public interest in a reasonable way.
The complaint lodged this month is against the Hindu Council of Australia (HCA), alleging Islamophobia through social media posts and public statements. It refers to alleged posts by HCA President Sai Paravastu and Neelima Paravastu, HCA’s head of media and marketing.
The Principal Lawyer of Birchgrove Legal (who have lodged the complaint), Moustafa Kheir, has stated, ” The HCA and key members of its team have unfortunately engaged in conduct that singles out Muslims in ways that are threatening and exclusionary”. (Press statement, Birchgrove Legal, 6 September 2025- See below full statement)
The AAI claims the Paravastus shared content on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram that vilified Muslims, including: – Reposts from U.S. conservative commentator Charlie Kirk (now deceased) and UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson, portraying Muslims as “inherently criminal, dangerous, violent or evil by nature.” – Statements implying South Asian Muslims (e.g., from Pakistan, Bangladesh) are threats to Australian society.
By September 23, 2025, the AHRC begun investigating the complaint. The Paravastus’ X accounts were deactivated shortly after the story broke, though the HCA’s official accounts remain active.
The complaint urges a public apology from the HCA and Paravastus. – Immediate removal of the offending posts from all platforms. – An enforceable undertaking to prevent future vilifying conduct. – Compensation for the emotional harm and distress inflicted on affected Muslims.
As of September 23, 2025, the HCA and Paravastus have not issued a public response to the complaint. However, the organization’s website emphasizes its commitment to “service, education, culture, and sustainability,” positioning itself as a “pillar of community leadership, advocacy, and engagement” in Australia’s multicultural society
Section 18C cases are rare but high-profile; successful ones (e.g., against media outlets) often result in apologies and policy changes. This case could escalate inter-community tensions but also prompt broader dialogue on online hate.
In a statement, the Hindus For Human Rights, Australia & New Zealand (HFHR) says, ” It is disturbing to note the serious allegations of islamophobia against members of the Hindu community and the Hindu Council are reported by The Guardian today.
We will continue to foster friendships across faiths and cultures to build, resilient and peaceful Australia.”
Hindu Council of Australia site
Alliance Against Islamophobia site
Australian Human Rights Commission site
Sec 18C and 18D of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975
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