7 Teens Arrested in Sydney Terror Raids Linked to Bishop Stabbing

Australian counterterrorism authorities arrested seven teenagers and questioned five others in Sydney on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into a religiously-motivated terror attack on an Assyrian bishop. The arrests were connected to a 16-year-old boy charged with a terrorism offense for stabbing Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a live-streamed church service on April 15.

The NSW joint counterterrorism team (JCTT) conducted a series of raids in southwest Sydney, resulting in the arrest of the seven juveniles aged 15 to 17. Police said the arrested teens posed an "unacceptable risk" to society and believed in a violent extremist ideology. The JCTT, comprising members from NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and the NSW Crime Commission, described the arrested individuals as a "network" of people who share a "similar violent extremist ideology".

More than 400 police officers executed 13 search warrants at properties across southwest Sydney because the suspects were considered an immediate threat. A significant amount of electronic material was seized during the raids. Authorities stated there was no ongoing threat to the community and the operation was a combined effort between state, federal, and domestic intelligence agencies.

Why this matters: The arrests emphasize the growing concern over religiously-motivated extremism among young people in Australia. The involvement of minors in such a violent attack on a religious leader underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to counter radicalization and prevent further acts of terrorism.

Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that while there was no evidence of a planned attack, the group was believed to adhere to a "religiously motivated violent extremist ideology". The investigation remains ongoing, and police have said there is no current threat to public safety or connection to the upcoming Anzac Day commemorations. The raids occurred just days after a deadly mass stabbing in Bondi and amid fears of further attacks or reprisals against Sydney's Muslim community.

Key Takeaways

• Australian authorities arrested 7 teens in Sydney over terror attack on Assyrian bishop.
• The 16-year-old suspect was charged with a terrorism offense for stabbing the bishop.
• Police conducted 13 raids, seizing electronic material, and described the teens as a "network".
• The arrests highlight concerns over religiously-motivated extremism among young people in Australia.
• No evidence of a planned attack, but the group was believed to adhere to a violent ideology.