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Canterbury Bankstown Shuts Down Prayer Hall Amid Controversy

12/23/2025

29 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The City of Canterbury Bankstown ordered the closure of the Al Madina Dawah Centre, operated by Wissam Haddad, for illegally functioning as a prayer hall.
The council's cease-use directive, issued December 22, cited unauthorized use of the premises, which had been approved only as a medical center.
The action follows scrutiny of Wissam Haddad's links to Naveed Akram, the alleged Bondi gunman.
Haddad denies involvement in the attack.

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Story summary

The City of Canterbury Bankstown ordered the closure of the Al Madina Dawah Centre, operated by Wissam Haddad, for illegally functioning as a prayer hall.
The council's cease-use directive, issued December 22, cited unauthorized use of the premises, which had been approved only as a medical center.
The action follows scrutiny of Wissam Haddad's links to Naveed Akram, the alleged Bondi gunman.
Haddad denies involvement in the attack.