Australian man charged with terrorism offences after allegedly making videos calling for terror attacks overseas

An Australian man has been charged with advocating terrorism after allegedly posting online videos that ‘called for acts of politically-motivated violence offshore’.

A Perth man, 52, was arrested by Australian Federal Police officers as they executed a search warrant at his home on Tuesday.

He was charged with four counts of advocating terrorism and is scheduled to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Authorities became aware of an online video-sharing platform account hosting content that called for acts of politically-motivated violence offshore in February.

The AFP, Western Australia Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) then began a joint-investigation into the matter.

In April, investigators seized electronic devices as they executed a search warrant on the home and vehicle of man believed to own the online account.

Police executed a second search warrant at a Perth home on Tuesday, which ultimately led to the 52-year-old man’s arrest.

Pictures and video released by the AFP show them arresting the man, who was wearing a black shirt, black trousers and brown leather sandals.

Police officers were also pictured packing electronic devices in evidence bags to be taken for examination.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Scott Lee said extremist ideology that incited violence – onshore or offshore – was a criminal offence.

‘The AFP and our partner agencies, through the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) will arrest and charge Australian-based individuals allegedly involved in engaging in violent, extremist ideologies,’ Assistant Commissioner Lee said.

‘In this instance, it is alleged the individual was intending to incite politically motivated acts in a foreign country.’

Meanwhile, Commander Pryce Scanlan from WA Police Force’s Counter Terrorism & Emergency Response Command said Australians need to remain vigilant for extremism within their communities.

‘Online content advocating for terrorist acts to be carried out has the potential to reach people anywhere in the world, including our local communities, and it is critical we identify and prosecute those responsible for such incitement,’ he said.

‘It is also just as important that our investigations and operations prevent those people in our community who are vulnerable to radicalisation from being exposed to such material.

‘We have seen the devastating impacts that such online radicalisation and incitement can result in, and everyone in the community can play a critical role in keeping our community safe by reporting concerns about online material, or individuals, to authorities.’

Source: Daily Mail