Forgotten Bondi Junction hero's plea to PM
An "unsung hero" still recovering in hospital after confronting Joel Cauchi during the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbings, has asked the Prime Minister if he too can be considered for citizenship.
Muhammad Taha and Faraz Tahir were the two security guards who risked their lives to protect innocent bystanders when they confronted the killer on Saturday afternoon.
Tahir lost his life in the process, while Taha remains in hospital after sustaining severe injuries.
Taha, originally from Pakistan, recalled the events of the tragic day from his hospital bed, and described the moment they witnessed people fleeing in panic.
“Faraz moved to assess the situation and to save the people; all of a sudden the guy came out,” he told The Australian.
“Faraz confronted him and was stabbed. After that, (Cauchi) jumped on me. I tried to defend but got stabbed.”
Taha who is currently on a graduate visa that is due to expire within weeks, issued a desperate plea to the government asking them to give him an extension, following the public praise and a confirmed visa extension for French national Damien Guerot, nicknamed “bollard man” after the attacks.
“As a direct victim of the incident, I believe I deserve recognition and consideration for citizenship,” Taha said.
His request was also met with support from Sunrise’s Nat Barr who took the inquiry straight to Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday morning.
“Mr Taha wants to know where his visa is at after the Prime Minister told the bollard hero that he can be in Australia as long as he likes ... Will Mr Taha also be allowed to stay?” she asked live on air.
Marles said the immigration minister will work on a visa application, and said that Taha's act was "enormously brave".
“Coming out of that tragedy are these incredible stories of bravery for which the nation is really greatly indebted and the circumstances of Mr Taha I’m sure will be worked through.”
Shajar Ahmad, another colleague of Taha and Tahir, described them as “unsung heroes” of the bloody massacre.
Albanese has responded to the request and said that a permanent visa would be “granted to (Guerot) today”, and that Taha’s case will also be considered.
“(Taha) confronted this guy... It just shows extraordinary courage, these are people who ... not thinking of themselves, were putting themselves in danger protecting Australians they didn’t know, just people going about their shopping,” Albanese told Adelaide radio 5AA.
“And that’s the sort of courage that we want to say thank you to, frankly. Those extraordinary stories of bravery in amongst the carnage and tragedy that we saw on Saturday.
“It’s a bit of light in amongst the darkness that you saw these extraordinary acts.”
Images: news.com.au