Australian Muslims turned out for a fundraiser for 13 Melbourne terror suspects, and donated more than $50,000 for the suspects’ families—even though the families are already receiving more than a million dollars in government handouts: Muslims give big to suspects’ families. (Hat tip: LGF readers.)

A HARDLINE Islamic organisation has helped raise thousands of dollars for the families of Melbourne’s alleged terror suspects during a special fundraising event.

More than 300 people, including some family members of the 13 terrorism accused, attended a dinner party held by the fundamentalist Islamic and Information Services Network of Australasia last month, where more than $50,000 was raised through donations and auctions.

The accused men are among 22 terror suspects who were arrested during the nation’s biggest joint police and ASIO counter-terrorism raids in Sydney and Melbourne between November and April.

The fundraising comes despite revelations the families of the alleged terror cell members from both states were collectively already receiving more than an estimated $1 million a year in taxpayer-funded Centrelink benefits and legal aid.

Under Centrelink rules, the accused men’s families are entitled to an increase in their welfare payments by as much as $1700 a year.

Among the alleged terror cell members who have been charged with being members of a terrorist organisation is Abdul Nacer Benbrika.

Mr Benbrika is accused of being the spiritual leader of the young radical Muslims. His wife and seven children will receive almost $50,000 in welfare benefits while he remains behind bars awaiting trial.

Despite the additional funds, the fundraising event at Aurora Receptions in Melbourne’s north last month was a success.

It is understood that pictures of the men, who are held at the maximum security Acacia unit in Barwon Prison, southeast of Melbourne, were projected on to a large screen during the function.