Anarch
12-16-2005, 02:35 AM
PM target of terror accused , court told
AAP
16 December 2005
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,17586406%255E661,00.html
TWO men accused of being members of a terrorist organisation allegedly discussed whether Prime Minister John Howard and his family should be killed as payback for the deaths of innocent Muslims, a Melbourne court has been told.
The allegation was made at the second day of a bail hearing for Abdulla Merhi, 20, of Fawkner, and Hany Taha, 31, of Hadfield, at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.
They are among 10 men charged with being members of a terrorist organisation last month.
Eight of the men also have been charged with financing a terrorist organisation.
The alleged leader of the group, Muslim preacher Abdul Nacer Benbrika, 45, of Dallas, has also been charged with directing a terrorist organisation.
Crown prosecutor Nick Robinson today said police intercepted discussions between Benbrika and Merhi where they discussed jihad.
Mr Robinson told that in the conversation Merhi said: "For example if John Howard kills innocent Muslim families do we ... do we have to kill him and his family ... his people like at the football?"
Benbrika allegedly replies "if they kill our kids we kill little kids".
Merhi then says "innocent ones" and Benbrika replies "innocent ones," according to transcripts of the discussions read out in court.
Lawyers for Merhi and Taha have said the Crown prosecution case against their clients was weak and delays in the court proceedings were expected.
The prosecution has opposed the bail application and said the men did not meet the exceptional circumstances required to receive bail.
The bail hearing before Magistrate Reg Marron continues.
AAP
16 December 2005
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,17586406%255E661,00.html
TWO men accused of being members of a terrorist organisation allegedly discussed whether Prime Minister John Howard and his family should be killed as payback for the deaths of innocent Muslims, a Melbourne court has been told.
The allegation was made at the second day of a bail hearing for Abdulla Merhi, 20, of Fawkner, and Hany Taha, 31, of Hadfield, at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.
They are among 10 men charged with being members of a terrorist organisation last month.
Eight of the men also have been charged with financing a terrorist organisation.
The alleged leader of the group, Muslim preacher Abdul Nacer Benbrika, 45, of Dallas, has also been charged with directing a terrorist organisation.
Crown prosecutor Nick Robinson today said police intercepted discussions between Benbrika and Merhi where they discussed jihad.
Mr Robinson told that in the conversation Merhi said: "For example if John Howard kills innocent Muslim families do we ... do we have to kill him and his family ... his people like at the football?"
Benbrika allegedly replies "if they kill our kids we kill little kids".
Merhi then says "innocent ones" and Benbrika replies "innocent ones," according to transcripts of the discussions read out in court.
Lawyers for Merhi and Taha have said the Crown prosecution case against their clients was weak and delays in the court proceedings were expected.
The prosecution has opposed the bail application and said the men did not meet the exceptional circumstances required to receive bail.
The bail hearing before Magistrate Reg Marron continues.