The National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) expresses grave concerns regarding the prosecution of a 14-year-old Muslim girl with autism for content found on her school laptop, despite police acknowledging her lack of harmful intent. This case highlights a disturbing pattern of law enforcement practices disproportionately affecting vulnerable Muslim children, particularly those with autism, in counterterrorism operations. NCAM has long criticized the use of undercover operations that manipulate vulnerable individuals, including children with autism, into situations where they can be prosecuted for terrorism-related offenses, violating Australia’s obligations under international conventions.

This case echoes the troubling details of the “Thomas Carrick” case, where counter-terrorism police “fed” an autistic 13-year-old’s fixation with Islamic State in an undercover operation, leading to charges later stayed by the court. Magistrate Fleming’s condemnation of the police conduct as “profoundly short” of minimum standards underscores the systemic issues at play. The parallels between these cases raise serious questions about the ethics of counterterrorism operations involving vulnerable children.

In both cases, authorities used lower-threshold violent extremist offenses to target children with autism, individuals often lacking the cognitive capacity to fully understand their actions’ implications. This unjust approach raises concerns about a double standard in treating Muslim individuals with disabilities compared to non-Muslims and undermining Australia’s commitment to multiculturalism.

Sajida Salman, NCAM Director, calls for an immediate cessation of these discriminatory practices. “Targeting vulnerable children with autism in counterterrorism operations is a profound injustice,” stated Sajida. “All children, regardless of background or disability, must be afforded their full human rights and dignity. We urge a review of counterterrorism practices to ensure they comply with human rights standards and prioritize the well-being of vulnerable individuals.”

For media inquiries, please contact: media@ncam.au

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National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) acknowledges all First Peoples as the Traditional Custodians throughout the land across Australia, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect the historical and traditional connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have to the land, water, culture and community. We appreciate the importance of the world’s oldest living culture, and support the union of a reconciled Australia. NCAM is committed to ensuring inclusion, equity and equality.