Australian Police Arrest 7 Teens Linked to Violent Extremist Ideology After Church Stabbing

Australian police have arrested seven teenagers accused of following a violent extremist ideology in raids across Sydney. The suspects, aged 15 to 17, were part of a network that included a 16-year-old boy charged with stabbing a bishop in a Sydney church on April 15.

Clips of the stabbing were taken from the church service's livestream and subsequently circulated on the social media platform X. An Australian regulator directed X to remove the videos, which the platform is fighting in court. Other social media companies have complied with similar orders.

The police operation was not linked to Anzac Day, a public holiday when Australians remember their war dead, which has been a potential target of extremists in the past. Police allege the individuals adhered to a religiously motivated, violent extremist ideology and posed an unacceptable risk and threat to the people of New South Wales.

Why this matters: The arrests highlight the ongoing threat of violent extremism, particularly among youth, and the role social media can play in spreading such ideologies. The case also raises questions about the balance between free speech and public safety on social media platforms.

An Australian Federal Court judge has extended an order banning X from showing videos of the bishop being repeatedly stabbed until May 10. X's owner, Elon Musk, has criticized Australia for stifling free speech, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has labeled Musk an "arrogant billionaire".

Authorities blame social media for drawing a crowd of 2,000 people to the church following the attack, leading to a riot in which 51 police officers were injured and 104 police vehicles were damaged. "Police will allege in court that the juveniles in court today were members of a network that shared a similar violent extremist ideology," said Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Scott Lee.

Key Takeaways

• Australian police arrested 7 teens linked to church stabbing of bishop.
• Stabbing video circulated on social media platform X, which fought removal.
• Arrests not linked to Anzac Day, a potential target for extremists.
• Authorities blame social media for drawing 2,000 people, leading to riot.
• Case raises questions about balancing free speech and public safety on social media.