Our families, friends, and community have suffered directly from the repression, violence, and brutality carried out under Khamenei’s rule. We cannot accept that Australian soil may host events glorifying an individual responsible for such widespread harm.

We are writing to demand urgent action to prevent any Islamic centres or community organisations in Australia from holding funerals, memorials, or commemorative events for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leader of the IRGC and the Islamic Republic regime in Iran.

This request is based on existing Australian counter‑terrorism law and the official designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism, effective 27–28 November 2025. The Australian Government formally listed the IRGC after intelligence agencies confirmed it orchestrated antisemitic terror attacks on Australian soil, including attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.
This is the first-ever listing under the Criminal Code’s state‑sponsor-of-terrorism framework, making any form of support, association, or assistance criminally prosecutable with penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the Commander‑in‑Chief of the IRGC, exercising absolute authority over its operations for decades. Hosting events that symbolically or materially support a figure whose institution is legally recognised as a terrorist entity in Australia directly conflicts with counter‑terrorism law and public safety.

Events honouring Khamenei risk violating terrorism‑related offences
Under Part 5.3A of the Criminal Code, it is an offence to support or associate with a listed state sponsor of terrorism, including activities that could be considered enabling propaganda or community mobilisation for that entity.

Islamic centres conducting such events may be unintentionally facilitating prohibited support for a terrorist entity
Given Khamenei was the ultimate authority of the IRGC, any ceremonial glorification risks breaching legal boundaries tied to the listing.

Security agencies themselves acknowledge that IRGC‑linked individuals are present in Australia
Testimony to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security revealed that IRGC‑linked persons may be living in Australia, and community fears exist that authorities have not been proactive enough in monitoring them.
Allowing public funerals or gatherings aligned with the IRGC leadership would worsen these concerns and potentially endanger communities.

In light of the above, we call on the Australian Government, Home Affairs, AFP, and relevant State Police Forces to:

1. Prevent any Islamic centres or community groups from holding funeral, memorial, or commemorative events for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the grounds that such events may constitute prohibited support for a listed state sponsor of terrorism.
2. Issue immediate legal guidance to religious centres, community organisations, and venues reminding them that events supporting IRGC leadership may breach federal terrorism laws.
3. Direct security agencies to monitor and intervene in any planned gatherings that risk violating the Criminal Code or promoting extremist sentiment.
4. Apply the same standards used to prohibit Hezbollah‑related displays — standards already enforced nationwide — to any displays, symbols, or messaging associated with Khamenei, the IRGC, or Iranian regime propaganda.
5. Prioritise public safety, counter-extremism, and the rights of affected diaspora communities who suffered under Khamenei’s rule.

Australia must not allow its territory to be used to legitimise, honour, or promote individuals or institutions officially linked to terrorism under Australian law.

Sincerely,
MehrEran Foundation