Public memorials held in parts of Sydney and Melbourne for Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have sparked a strong backlash from Australian political leaders and many in the Iranian Australian community.
Several Shia mosques and Islamic organisations promoted prayer sessions and gatherings after Khamenei was killed in US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, based on organisers’ posts and livestreams.
In Sydney, Masjid Arrahman in Kingsgrove, Husaineyat Sayeda Zaynab in Banksia and the Arncliffe based Flagbearer Foundation were among those inviting people to take part in special prayers.
In Melbourne, the El Zahra Islamic Community Centre in Hoppers Crossing held a majlis on Sunday night.
NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned the events. He called the mourning atrocious and said that by any objective measure the ayatollah was evil.
Iranian Australian advocates said the public tributes were upsetting for people who fled Iran’s leadership or lost family members.
Nos Hosseini from the Iranian Women’s Association said, “It was deeply insulting as an Iranian to see people mourning such a controversial figure.”
An Iranian Australian activist who asked to be identified only as Arvin said the displays raised fears about supporters of the regime living in Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also criticised the plans by saying “I don’t think they’re appropriate.” He said Australia should remain a country where people leave hatred and prejudice behind when they arrive.
He also linked the Iranian regime to support for terrorism including antisemitic attacks in Australia.
Some Shia peak bodies defended the gatherings as religious practice, not a political endorsement. They said funeral prayers are a normal duty for deceased Muslims and that many families were worried about loved ones overseas as the conflict worsens.
The dispute has highlighted deep divisions within Australia’s Iranian and Shia communities about Khamenei’s legacy.
It has also raised questions about where to draw the line between religious observance and public support for an overseas political figure.
