Former Mufti Bekrić Acquitted of Theft Charges in Australia

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Police on Friday dropped a string of fraud charges against Jasmin ef. Bekrić (56), former mufti of the Islamic Community of Bosniaks in Australia, who was arrested in October last year on suspicion of misusing donations for this community.

As reported by news.com.au, police dropped a string of charges against the religious official for allegedly cashing checks intended for charitable activities, while Bekrić pleaded guilty to a weapons offense.

Bekrić walked out of the Downing Centre court with a smile today after a 20-minute hearing where 11 charges against him were dismissed.

- It was entirely appropriate for the police to withdraw the fraud charges; my client feels extremely relieved - said his lawyer Philip Strickland.

The dismissed charges included seven counts of dishonestly gaining a financial advantage by deception.

Each of these charges related to a separate alleged incident in which Bekrić was accused of cashing checks from the Bosnian-Australian Islamic organization into his personal account at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

The deposits amounted to about $40,000, police said in court documents before the charges were dropped.

Other charges that were dismissed related to allegedly making false statements on official forms, and one stating that Bekrić had $6,500 in suspected stolen money in his possession.

Bekrić pleaded guilty to a weapons charge related to a telescopic baton that police found in his home during a search last October.

- My client has always maintained his innocence on the fraud charges but admitted to the baton. It was a great pressure to have these charges hanging over his head. I want to congratulate the police, I think it was appropriate for them to withdraw the charges - said his lawyer Strikland.

Bekrić will be sentenced on Wednesday at the same court for the baton charge, namely possession of a prohibited weapon without a permit.

Let us recall that after being arrested in October last year, Bekrić resigned from his position as mufti, and the Executive Board of the Islamic Community in Australia (AISBiH) suspended him from the position of imam of the Islamic Community in the Smithfield congregation until the proceedings against him were concluded.