Prime Minister Abbott warned that Islamic State beheadings could happen in countries like Australia if they relax their vigilance, and he urged stronger antiterrorism legislation. He said the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah has indicated support for the IS and thus that there is a risk of “increased terrorist activity in our region.” Abbott also criticized “a small number of Islamic leaders, community leaders, [who] rather foolishly boycotted” recent meetings on ways to prevent disaffected young Australians from joining extremist organizations such as the Islamic State.
