Seven teens with alleged ‘extremist ideology’ arrested in Sydney raids
Australian authorities have apprehended seven teenagers in a series of counter-terrorism operations throughout Sydney, asserting that these youths were potentially involved in plotting an attack.
Police indicate that the suspects are thought to adhere to a radical extremist ideology with religious motivations.
The crackdown is associated with the recent assault on an Assyrian bishop, which law enforcement deemed a terrorist incident. Authorities characterize the offenders as juveniles, ranging from 15 to 17 years old.
Investigators claim that these teenagers are part of the same network as the 16-year-old who has been charged with a terrorism offense related to the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a live sermon.
Following the incident in Wakeley, where the attack occurred, at least four individuals sustained minor injuries. The 16-year-old suspect was also injured.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson explained to the media on Wednesday that subsequent to the Wakeley incident, several associates were identified for further scrutiny and investigation.
Hudson noted that the teenagers shared a common purpose and posed an unacceptable risk to public safety. Additionally, five others are aiding police in their inquiries.
He further clarified that all individuals had been under surveillance since the incident at Christ The Good Shepherd Church the previous Monday, and authorities intervened preemptively because they believed an attack might be imminent, although no specific plan or target had been identified.
An investigation by the state’s joint counterterrorism team remains ongoing.
In total, 400 police officers were involved in Wednesday’s raids, with search warrants issued at thirteen locations across southwest Sydney.
The Christ The Good Shepherd Church is located in Wakeley – home to much of Australia’s Assyrian Christian community – many of whom have fled persecution and war in Iraq and parts of Iran, Turkey and Syria.
Bishop Emmanuel – who was the victim of last week’s stabbing – is widely known in the community, and has a huge following online.
He is a divisive figure though, known for his ultra-conservative and often controversial views on issues such same-sex marriage and the Islamic faith. During the pandemic he also opposed government lockdowns and spoke out against vaccines.
Authorities have declined to state the religion of his alleged teenage attacker.
