Islamic leader accused of illegal land clearing claims his group is exempt from Australian law

Islamic leader accused of illegal land clearing claims his group is exempt from Australian law

A religious leader accused of illegal land clearing on a rural property used for religious prayer has claimed a Western Sydney council is infringing on his group's religious freedoms by pursuing him over the allegations.

Key Points Hawskbury Council launches court action against Dr Mustapha Kara-Ali and Diaa Kara-Ali, claiming they carried out illegal land clearing and other works without DAs

The Kara-Alis use the property to pursue religious worship with religious guild Diwan Al Dawla

Hawkesbury City Council has launched civil action against Dr Mustapha Kara-Ali and Diaa Kara-Ali in the Land and Environment Court, alleging they carried out illegal land clearing, earthworks and built gates, fences and driveways without seeking any of the relevant development approvals at a property in Colo, in Sydney's north west.