The Grand Mufti of Australia has sprung to the defence of a controversial anti-gay cleric, claiming negative comments about him could strengthen the Islamic State terrorist group.
In a three-page letter released last week, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed railed against the media for 'attacking' National Imams Council president Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman.
The cleric has been at the centre of national debate after dining with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for Ramadan at Kirribilli House.
Video from 2010 showing Sheikh Shady condemning homosexuality for 'spreading diseases' and preaching Allah will 'send' diseases like HIV and AIDS to people who sin.
Dr Mohammed said the media have tried to discredit the sheikh 'simply because he conveyed a religious ruling six years earlier'. [Daily Mail] Read more
