Saudis cut back Islamic funding
Richard Kerbaj; 20/5/08
Saudi Arabia is significantly winding back its direct funding of Australian Muslim groups to counter a backlash against claims that money from Riyadh was being used to sponsor followers of hardline Islam. Despite ASIO giving the all-clear for the Saudi embassy to send money to 12 Islamic organisations in Australia, not one of the groups was subsequently funded. Sources have told The Australian that the embassy is thought to have recast its spending patterns, because its religious contributions were increasingly subject to scrutiny and criticism from academics, the legal fraternity and sections of the Muslim community. Members of the Muslim community who have missed out on Saudi funding confirmed the change.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23726759-5013404,00.html
Tags: Australia, Saudi Arabia