Australian Police Seek to Keep Terror-Accused Teenager in Custody Over Alleged Extremist Content

Australian police are seeking to keep a terror-accused teenager in custody after allegedly finding Islamic State beheading videos and bomb-making instructions on his phone. The 14-year-old boy was among five teenagers charged with terrorism-related offenses following an investigation into the stabbing of an Assyrian Christian bishop during a livestreamed sermon earlier this month.

The police allege that the teenager had graphic videos of Islamic State beheadings and IS anthems on his phone. A magistrate granted the boy bail, but the decision was immediately appealed by the prosecutor, and the teenager will remain in custody until the appeal is heard.

Another 17-year-old's bail application was denied by the magistrate, who cited the substantially higher severity of the extremist content found on his phone, which included videos depicting beheadings, hostage-taking, and instructions on making explosive devices. Three other teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were also charged with conspiring to engage in preparation or planning for a terrorist act and will appear in court in June.

Why this matters: The case highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism and extremism in Australia, particularly among young people. The police's efforts to keep the terror-accused teenager in custody underscore the gravity of the allegations and the potential danger posed by individuals who possess extremist material.

The investigation into the Wakeley church stabbing has two arms: the alleged extremist ideology of the alleged offender and his network of associates and peers, and the subsequent riot that erupted after the stabbing. The authorities stated that there was no specific threat to public safety or Anzac Day commemorations, but they believed the group posed an unacceptable risk and that their behavior under surveillance led to the arrests.

The commonwealth has launched an appeal to keep the 14-year-old boy in custody, with the police arguing against his release on bail due to the serious nature of the videos found on his phone. "The 14-year-old was charged with possessing violent extremist material, and the police argued against his release on bail due to the grave nature of the videos," according to the summaries. The investigation is ongoing, and the teenagers have been denied bail and are due to appear in a children's court on Thursday.

Key Takeaways

• 5 Australian teens charged with terrorism-related offenses
• 14-year-old had IS beheading videos, bomb-making instructions
• Teens denied bail due to extremist content on their phones
• Charges linked to stabbing of Assyrian Christian bishop
• Police argue teens pose unacceptable risk, appeal bail decision