Muslim pilgrim stopped from leaving Australia for Hajj

Melbourne Airport

A Muslim pilgrim says he was “absolutely dumbfounded” when he was stopped from leaving Australia to for Hajj.

Omar Chandab told Neil Mitchell of 3AW News Talk on Saturday night he has no idea why he was questioned by Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) officers.

He was planning to go on the obligatory Hajj pilgrimage, but was stopped at Melbourne Airport.

“All of a sudden were pulled over by AFP and we were all put in separate rooms,” he said.

Neil Mitchell questioned whether he had any links to “radical Islamists” and whether he had any links to terrorist sympathisers.

But Mr Chandab said he was a “proud” Australian.

“There’s so much questions and not enough answers,” he said

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You can listen to the full interview here.

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