ABC offices in security lockdown after threats following Q&A Zaky Mallah episode

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ABC offices in security lockdown after threats following Q&A Zaky Mallah episode

By James Robertson
Updated

The ABC has increased security at all its major Australian offices after threatening phone calls were made to the broadcaster following a controversial appearance by former terrorist suspect Zaky Mallah on its Q&A program.

The tightened security comes after Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Thursday intensified his criticism of Monday night's episode of Q&A, saying inviting Mr Mallah on to the program was a "betrayal - if you like - of our country" and that "heads should roll" over that decision and the airing of a program repeat.

"There have been a number of threatening phone calls," a spokesman for the ABC said, confirming new security arrangements.

"Security has been stepped up at major ABC offices across Australia."

An ABC worker swipes a security card to enter the Ultimo Centre on Friday morning amid a security lockdown, as a security officer guards the door.

An ABC worker swipes a security card to enter the Ultimo Centre on Friday morning amid a security lockdown, as a security officer guards the door.Credit: Nick Moir

The broadcaster described the measures as "precautionary".

Staff at the ABC's Sydney Ultimo Centre were told in an email the building would revert to "after-hours" security arrangements, whereby only staff are allowed entry to the building.

Members of the public are usually able to walk into the ABC foyer.

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An appearance by Mr Mallah on Monday night's instalment of Q&A provoked political controversy after it emerged that he had pleaded guilty to threatening Commonwealth officers in 2003. He was acquitted of terrorism charges in 2005.

Zaky Mallah on <em>Q&A</em>.

Zaky Mallah on Q&A.Credit: ABC

Liberal MP Steve Ciobo, also a program guest, told Mr Mallah he would be happy to see him lose his citizenship.

Mr Mallah replied: "The Liberals have just justified to many Australian Muslims in the community tonight to leave and go to Syria and join ISIL because of ministers like him."

The broadcasting of that statement instantly drew criticism, and more than 1000 viewer calls to the ABC switchboard.

The broadcaster issued an apology, admitting that allowing Mr Mallah on to the show was an error of judgment.

There have been a number of threatening phone calls.

ABC spokesman

Mr Abbott subsequently announced an inquiry into the program that he he described as a "lefty lynch mob".

In recent days News Corp tabloid newspapers have run front pages criticising the broadcaster in strident terms including superimposing the ABC logo on to a flag seemingly held by a terrorist.

The ABC's managing director Mark Scott has admitted the program was wrong to have allowed Mr Mallah to speak live-to-air.

But, in a speech on Thursday night, he defended the ABC against claims it had "betrayed" Australian values, by saying that "free-speech principles mean giving platforms to those with whom we fundamentally disagree".

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull declined to endorse Mr Abbott's rhetoric on the issue in a Thursday night interview with the broadcaster.

"A lot of people would say that the ABC let down its own standards, betrayed, if you like, its own standards, it's own very high standards," he said.

Mr Mallah became the first person charged under the Howard government's new anti-terrorism laws, but was ultimately cleared of the terrorism-related offences.

He pleaded guilty to threatening Commonwealth officials and received a 2½-year jail sentence.

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