The leader of a Melbourne mosque, Samir Mohtadi, known as Abu Hamza, posted on social media that “the righteous will always be attacked,” responding to allegations linking him to a suspect in an attempted plane hijacking. Emirati authorities accused Omani national Hammam Al-Hammami of attacking a co-pilot with an axe mid‑flight over Saudi Arabia, aiming to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, as part of a “suicide attack,” according to a statement from the UAE attorney‑general.
Did You Know? The My Centre mosque in Broadmeadows, managed by Abu Hamza, received $36,960 in federal grants in 2024, with an additional $31,176.20 approved in 2025, according to GrantConnect records.
What Happened
Emirati Attorney‑General Hamad Saif Al stated that Hammam Al‑Hammami, who was studying at RMIT University, “drifted towards extremism” during his time in Melbourne, where he met individuals linked to the My Centre mosque. The UAE claims he attempted to seize control of flight FZ1073, which carried over 170 passengers, in a plot to crash it into Tel Aviv. Passengers and crew survived the incident.
According to the UAE attorney-general, Al-Hammami “read extremist literature and followed online content glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide attacks” during his time in Melbourne. RMIT University confirmed Al-Hammami studied engineering but did not complete his degree.
Why It Matters
The case raises questions about the role of religious institutions in radicalisation and the scrutiny of overseas funding for mosques. These posts, described as “shocking,” were exposed amid revelations of federal grants to the organisation.
Australian Federal Police confirmed an investigation into Al‑Hammami’s time in Australia, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke acknowledged concerns about funding but said he did not have further information about the specific funding arrangement. A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson emphasized that grants are assessed against relevant guidelines and selection criteria, adding: “All multicultural grants programs are administered in accordance with the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles 2024, the Australian Government grants framework and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.”
The mosque’s leader, Samir Mohtadi, did not directly address the allegations but referred to “false accusations” in a social media video. In the video, he invoked Jesus and Mary, stating: “The best thing sometimes is not to say anything.”
What May Happen Next
Expert Insight: The case highlights the challenge of identifying radicalisation pathways, particularly when individuals interact with multiple networks. While the UAE alleges a direct link, the lack of concrete evidence connecting My Centre to Al-Hammami underscores the complexity of proving ideological influence. Authorities must navigate legal and ethical boundaries in addressing potential risks without stigmatising entire communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hammam Al‑Hammami?
Hammam Al‑Hammami, an Omani national, is accused of attacking a co‑pilot on a flydubai flight over Saudi Arabia. Emirati authorities allege he aimed to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, as part of a “suicide attack.”
What role did the My Centre mosque play?
The UAE attorney-general stated Al-Hammami met individuals associated with My Centre in 2017 while studying at RMIT. The mosque’s leader, Samir Mohtadi, did not directly address the allegations but referred to “false accusations” in a social media video.
How has the Australian government responded?
The Australian Federal Police confirmed an investigation into Al‑Hammami’s time in Australia. Meanwhile, My Centre received federal grants between 2024 and 2025, with critics questioning the funding’s implications.
Additional Context
The My Centre mosque’s social media activity has drawn scrutiny. A post referencing a News24 documentary about antisemitism included the caption: “We are fighting terrorist Zionists you idiot,” according to source reports. This aligns with broader concerns about the mosque’s online presence and its potential ties to extremist rhetoric.
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“REVEALED: Melbourne Islamic centre’s shocking posts exposed amid links to alleged flight hijacker following Labor grants” was the title of a report highlighting the organisation’s federal funding and controversial social media activity.
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