Young Australian aborigines are converting to Islam in increasing numbers; UK’s Independent says they’re doing it to seek empowerment.

Khalid, who converted to Islam more than a decade ago while in prison, said: “Wherever you are, Osama bin Laden, I love you, brother, and I pray for you, because to me you’re just a spiritual warrior standing up for Islam and propagating freedom around the world.” Khalid, who has grown a beard and wears an Islamic skullcap, claimed there were thousands of budding Bin Ladens in Aboriginal communities. “If they ever find Osama bin Laden, another 1,000 will pop up,” he said.

Most Aborigines have been Christians since missionaries arrived with the convict fleets two centuries ago. But, like African American Muslims, angry indigenous men are finding Islam empowering.