Adelaide uni student Artem Vasilyev to stand trial accused of planning terrorism attack and firearms charges

An Adelaide uni student who allegedly had 3D-printed firearms and explosive powder has pleaded not guilty to planning a terror attack.

Artem Vasilyev, centre, is charged with terror offences and manufacturing more than a dozen firearms at his Findon home. Picture: University of Adelaide.

A University of Adelaide student will face a jury accused of planning a terror attack in what will be the second terrorism trial in SA – and prosecutors want it heard in the Supreme Court.

On Wednesday, Artem Vasilyev pleaded not guilty to 22 firearms offences and one count of preparing to, or planning to, undertake an act of terrorism.

The AMC remanded him in custody to stand trial in the District Court, but a Commonwealth proscutor said the case required a different approach.

“This will be the second federal terrorism offence that has been heard in South Australia and we seek to have the matter heard before the Supreme Court,” she said.

“We understand that is not the ordinary course, but this court has the power to make such an order for certain categories of offences.”

South Australia’s first terrorism trial was that of nursing student Zainab Abdirahman-Khalif, who was found guilty – after several appeals – of attempting to join Islamic State.

If convicted, Mr Vasilyev faces up to 30 years in prison.

The case against Mr Vasilyev, 27, arises from multiple raids last year on the Findon home he shares with his mother.

He was subsequently charged with 50 firearms, weapons and explosives charges, as well as serious terrorism offences that carry a maximum 30-year prison term.

Police alleged seized 74 electronic devices, 17 imitation firearm parts, and multiple self-loading FGC-9 – which stands for “f —k gun control” – handguns, which were 3D-printed.

They allegedly also seized aluminium powder – which explodes on contact with water or various acids – and ammonium nitrate, which is volatile if mixed with aluminium.

Finally, police alleged Mr Vasilyev was in possession of detailed instructions on attacking a national power grid – a Federal terrorism offence.

They have alleged Mr Vasilyev knowingly had possession of those items “in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist attack”.

On Wednesday, prosecutors said the case against Mr Vasilyev had been consolidated down to 23 charges.

Craig Calidcott, for Mr Vasilyev, said his client was ready to go to trial.

“I’m instructed that my client pleads not guilty to these charges and is happy for me to enter those pleas on his behalf,” he said.

Magistrate Simon Smart said he was not prepared to send the case directly to the Supreme Court.

He said the “proper course” was for prosecutors to make such an application in the District Court and remanded Mr Vasilyev in custody to face that jurisdiction in May.