Melbourne terror suspect purchased a knife this week in preparation for a terrorist attack

One of two brothers arrested in terror raids in Melbourne’s north allegedly purchased a knife this week in preparation for a terrorist attack, police say.

Aran Sherani, 19, and his 20-year-old brother, Ari Sherani, faced Melbourne magistrates court on Thursday after being arrested by counter-terror officers on Wednesday.

Both are facing charges of attempting to engage in a terrorist act over an incident at Humevale, north of Melbourne, on 21 February.

Aran Sherani is facing three additional charges including intentionally causing injury to an unnamed person in Preston on 9 March.

Court documents state Aran Sherani is also accused of knowingly being a member of the terrorist organisation Islamic State and allege he purchased a knife at Epping on Wednesday in preparation for a terrorist attack.

The brothers were arrested in Wednesday’s raids alongside a 16-year-old boy from Pascoe Vale who was subsequently released without charge.

The older men each faced court via video link on Thursday and did not apply for bail.

Aran Sherani’s lawyer, Sarah Condon, said he had no prior convictions and this was his first time in custody. She said for those reasons and the nature of the charges he would be vulnerable behind bars.

Lawyer Louis Dean said the same applied for his client Ari Sherani. Both men are due back in court on 20 July.

Source: The Guardian