Smiling terror accused fronts court over alleged plot
A suspected member of a terror cell which allegedly swore allegiance to Islamic State while planning an attack in Sydney has smiled while facing court.
An accused member of a terror cell which allegedly planned to carry out an attack in Sydney in the name of Islamic State has smiled and winked at supporters as his matter was heard in court.
Radwan Dakkak, 23, appeared in Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday charged with being a member of a terror organisation.
As the police prosecutor named the organisation as Islamic State, Dakkak smiled to supporters, winked and raised his eyebrows.
A group of young men sitting in court smiled back and waved to him.
According to court documents Dakkak knowingly joined IS in December 2018.
Detectives allege the Toongabbie man was “prominent in the global online extremist community”.
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Dakkak did not apply for bail and it was formally refused until his next court appearance on August 30.
His lawyer Mohomed Abbas — and his supporters — did not comment as they left court on Wednesday.
Police also yesterday charged Ishaq Ul Matari with being a member of IS, preparing for a terrorist act and preparing to enter a foreign country for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities.
Ul Matari is accused of a plot to attack several targets including police stations.
He was part of a deradicalisation program after he was deported back to Australia from Lebanon in June last year.
Ul Matari was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Thursday.
A third man, Ahmad Tebya, 30, was yesterday charged with obtaining a financial benefit by deceptionbut is not charged with any terrorism-related offences..
The men were arrested on Tuesday.
