attack on Anzac Day. Photograph: Julian Smith/AAPIMAGE
Sevdet Besim, 18, of Melbourne, charged with planning terrorist act as four others are held after early morning raids
A teenager accused of conspiracy to commit a terrorist act has been remanded in custody after early morning raids in Melbourne in relation to an alleged plot to attack police at Anzac Day events in the city. Report The guardian
Sevdet Besim, 18, from the suburb of Hallam, appeared at a brief hearing in the Melbourne magistrates court on Saturday charged with preparing, or planning, a terrorist act. He did not apply for bail, though his lawyer, Anthony Malkoun, indicated there would be a future application, and was remanded in custody for a filing hearing on 24 April.
Besim was one of five men arrested during counter-terrorism raids on Saturday morning in relation to alleged plans to carry out Islamic State-inspired attacks against police at events to mark the centenary of the landings at Gallipoli during the first world war.
The prime minister, Tony Abbott, urged Australians to attend Anzac Day commemorations in their numbers. “The best thing you can do in the face of those who would do us harm is to live your life normally,” he said.
An 18-year-old from Hampton Park was also expected to be charged with offences relating to preparing for a terrorist act, Australian federal police acting deputy commissioner Neil Gaughan told reporters.
A third 18-year-old, from Narre Warren, was arrested on weapons offences, while two more Narre Warren men, aged 18 and 19, were in custody assisting police.
Australia’s government has raised the country’s terror warning level in response to the domestic threat posed by supporters of the Islamic State group. In September last year, the group’s spokesman Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, issued a message urging attacks t be carried out abroad, specifically mentioning Australia.
More than 200 police were involved in the raids across Narre Warren, Hampton Park, Hallam and Eumemmerring at about 3am. Police were still at a number of properties in those areas on Saturday afternoon.
Victoria police acting chief commissioner Tim Cartwright said three of the five men had been treated for minor injuries received during the morning raids.