Alleged terrorist faces court over training camp, attack plot
A man that describes himself as the “General Commander of IS Australia” appeared before Parramatta Local Court via video link, waving and laughing with family members in the gallery.
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A man that describes himself as the “General Commander of IS Australia” appeared before Parramatta Local Court via video link, waving and laughing with family members in the gallery.
Isaac El Matari, 20, of Greenacre, appeared before Parramatta Magistrate Peter Feather on Friday for brief status committal, however, proceedings were carried over until December 5.
He is accused of plotting the construction of a fortress in the Blue Mountains, designed to train terrorists to carry out attacks on churches, police stations and consulates in the Sydney CBD, as well as acquiring American Army uniforms and planning to import weapons and explosives into Australia.
The alleged Islamic State member continuously raised his eyebrows, waved and attempted to hide his face from the camera in an effort to catch the attention of his family, who sat in the front row laughing while he appeared on screen.
The man returned to Australia in June last year after being obtained by Lebanese Authorities for allegedly attempting to travel to Afghanistan to fight for Islamic State.
Upon his return, he was placed into a deradicalisation program run by NSW Police at Western Sydney University.
The court heard El Matari’s lawyer was working to acquire statements from representatives of the program before Mr Feather decides whether or not the proceedings go to trial.
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