DEATH THREATS OR DEMOCRACY

DEATH THREATS OR DEMOCRACY

Around 9pm Friday 9 March 2007 Allan Lotfizadeh, Christian Democratic Party candidate for Auburn, received a telephone call. The caller said: “You Christian pig. You are dead.” The matter was swiftly reported to Police. Allan Lotfizadeh stated: “The threat has only made me stronger to defend Aussie values. I will work even harder to get Fred Nile re-elected, and to maximize my CDP vote here in Auburn.”

Karen Pender, CDP Co-ordinator for Granville, on the morning of Monday 12 March attended the Granville pre-poll. Soon after 8am a quietly spoken man, who did not attempt to vote, approached her and asked: “Where’s Fred Nile? Other questions the man asked included: “Where does Fred Nile live?” and “What has Fred Nile got against Muslims?” Finally the man said: “Tell Fred Nile I am going to act out my faith on him.” Karen Pender interpreted this statement as a threat to Reverend the Hon Fred Nile MLC. Because of her responsibilities as the mother of five children, Karen Pender was not immediately able to contact Police. She reported the matter to Police around 4pm.

“Threats have never made any difference to me,” Reverend Fred Nile said. “As for my supporters, including our wonderful candidates and splendid electoral coordinators, I would never ask them to put themselves in danger. But the truth is that they are all braver than I am, and many have already made very clear that nothing will deter them from doing what they believe is the Lord’s work.”

Reverend Nile, who has served 25 years in the NSW Parliament, had this advice for all candidates of all parties: “If anyone threatens you or one of your team, don’t engage in heroics. Just call the Police immediately.”