Iktimal Hage-Ali

Iktimal Hage-Ali (b. 1983) is a Lebanese Australian woman, who is an Alawite [ [http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2005/s1444534.htm 7.30 Report - 23/08/2005: Mainsteam Australia must include Muslims ] ] and who was a member of the government appointed Muslim Reference Group.cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/war-on-terror/young-muslims-battle-culture-divide/2005/08/23/1124562863554.html|title=The Age Article|accessdate=2006-12-11] After seven years experience volunteering for her local community and advocating for the rights of young people, Iktimal was appointed deputy chairwoman of the NSW Youth Advisory Council.

In 2000 she was a member of the National Youth Roundtable She worked with in the Employment special interest group

In 2007, whilst employed as a project officer in the NSW's Attorney-General's Department [cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20918342-2,00.html|title=News Corporation Article|accessdate=2006-12-13] , she won the NSW Young Australian of the Year. [cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20645635-2,00.html|title=News Corporation Article|accessdate=2006-12-11] award.

However, it later came to light that, eight days prior to her receipt of the award, she had been arrested on suspicion of being a drug supplier. She was released without charge after admitting in a police interview that the cocaine she bought was for her own personal use. [http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22119676-29277,00.html]

As a result of the news, Hage-Ali relinquished the NSW Young Australian of the Year award, saying it would be selfish to hang onto it in light of the negative publicity and the continual negative media attention. She has stated that she is unable to defend herself in the media as she may be in contempt of court in doing so. [cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20931844-2,00.html|title=News Corporation Article|accessdate=2006-12-15] . Hage-Ali subsequently took up a job offer in Dubai while she is on leave without pay from the NSW Attorney General's Department for a period of 12 months.

Friends of Hage-Ali strongly suspect that she was the subject of a smear campaign. In December 2006, The Australian alleged that Detective Tamar Kilani and his brother Ahmed Kilani (co-founder of MuslimVillage Forums), had launched a smear campaign against her. Hage-Ali's friends suspect that the alleged smear campaign may be the result of her criticism of a sermon by Sheikh Taj El-Din Hilaly or because she doesn't wear a head-scarf. [http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20924836-2,00.html Sheik Hilaly link in young foe's drug raid] by Richard Kerbaj and Steve Barrett, December 14, 2006.] Ahmed Kilani said that allegations of a smear campaign were "absolutely ridiculous", and a police officer has called the link between the Detective and the forum "just a coincidence." Members of Muslim Village have also reacted angrily to the claims. [http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/anger-on-muslim-web-forum/2006/12/15/1165685860937.html Anger on Muslim web forum] Sydney Morning Herald by Dylan Welch, December 15, 2006.]

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