http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8275204/man-at-centre-of-lashing-allegations-talks
A Muslim man who was allegedly lashed 40 times by four men who broke into his Sydney home as a punishment for drinking alcohol says his Islamic faith is a beautiful religion.
Chris Martinez, 31, also said the Muslim community has been supportive of him despite the events that allegedly took place on Sunday.
Two men have been charged over the alleged incident, which has raised broad community concerns about the application of Islamic law in Australia.
In an interview with the community forum MuslimVillage.com published on Wednesday, Mr Martinez said he had a drinking problem and that he had been drinking on the day of the alleged incident.
"I have a problem with drinking that I have been trying to overcome," he told the forum, which released an interview transcript and pictures on its internet home page.
Mr Martinez, who says he has been Muslim for about three years, praised Islam for helping him in his life.
"Islam is a beautiful religion, it's a great guideline to life, it's a real way to live your life," he said.
"I mean, I'm not perfect.
"But in saying that, Islam helped me get through all of that, helped me get through my past, and now I believe I'm a better person because of Islam.
"This was about some individuals, not religion."
Mr Martinez said his wife had been upset by the incident, which is being investigated by NSW Police.
He also said "mainstream media" had been hounding him and had offered him money to tell his story, which he had rejected.
"I feel like a victim twice over from their hounding and threats of blackmail," he said.
On Wednesday, Wassim Fayad, 43, was granted bail in Burwood Local Court on charges of aggravated break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence.
He is also charged with detaining a person in company with intent to obtain advantage and two counts of stealing from a dwelling.
On Tuesday, Tolga Cifci, 20, of Auburn was granted bail at the same court on charges of aggravated break and enter, committing a serious indictable offence and inflicting actual bodily harm.
Both matters will return to the court for mention on September 14.
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