Muslim community in shock after police opt not to arrest man accused of crashing Ballarat iftar dinner

Tony Burke expected to discuss incident with Australian federal police commissioner Krissy Barrett on Wednesday Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast A Muslim community is reeling after police opted not to immediately arrest a man accused of crashing an iftar dinner and hurling racist abuse. The 37-year-old man, described as partially undressed, forced his way into an iftar dinner gathering at a community hall in the Ballarat suburb of Alfredton in Victoria on Sunday. Iftar is observed by Muslims at sunset in Ramadan, a holy month of fasting in Islam. After allegedly threatening children outside the venue, the man allegedly directed hateful and racist language towards those inside and shouted slogans against Allah. Police were called and discovered the man being detained. “A 37-year-old man was interviewed by police at the scene and then given a direction to move on,” Victoria police said. “The investigation into the incident is ongoing.” A petition addressed to local federal MP Catherine King, the Ballarat mayor, Tracey Hargreaves, and the regional city’s police demanded a thorough investigation and appro