One of Australia’s most notorious convicted terrorists Belal Khaazal cleared in secret trial

It took the jury only one hour and two minutes to reach a verdict on one of Australia’s most convicted terrorists during a “secret” trial. See what happened.

One of Australia’s most notorious convicted terrorists, who was charged with breaching strict control orders after his release from jail, has been acquitted of the offences in a “secret” trial.

Former Qantas baggage handler Belal Khaazal and one-time confidante of Osama Bin Laden, served 12-years in the nation’s toughest jail, the Goulburn Supermax for writing a DIY Jihadi handbook.

But within months of his release into the community, Khaazal had been rearrested and charged by the Australian Federal Police with two counts of breaching the control orders by transferring more than $500, and attempting to contact a person in jail - convicted ISIS financier Ali Al Talebi.

Bilal Khazal (wearing white) flanked by family and supporters, arrives at the NSW Supreme Court, Sydney.

Khaazal successfully fought to be released on bail after being charged but there has been no public mention of the case since then.

A three week trial took place earlier this year under the pseudonym of KB and a list of suppression orders which effectively kept it away from media and public scrutiny.

During a bail application before the pseudonym was applied, the court was told by Khaazal’s barrister Michael Coroneos that the police case was weak.

Belal Saadallah Khazaal is one of Australia’s most convicted terrorists.

The Supermax inside Goulburn Correctional Centre. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

It was alleged Khaazal had given the money to a relative of Al Talebi, who was also held in Supermax, and had attempted to send him a message. But his defence lawyers had said the money belonged to Khaazal’s wife not him.

Little detail of the trial has been released. What can been revealed is there were photos submitted by the defence of a green-coloured water hydrant covered in Arabic writing and dates, pictures of pantry foods including bags of pasta, and photos of a car with someone sitting in it. There was also a biology report prepared by AFP forensic biologist Dr Gregory Robertson.

How it all fitted to together is not known. The District Court has restricted access to the whole court file.

But what it did spell out to the jury was that Khaazal didn’t do what he was accused of.

The jury took only one hour and two minutes to find him not guilty of all the charges.

Khaazal had long been of interest to the spy agency ASIO, first coming to their attention in 1994 when he was stabbed during a fight outside the Lakemba mosque by a rival Muslim sect member.

Terror suspect Bilal Khaazal in The Islamic Bookstore on Haldon Street, Lakemba in 2005. Picture: Channel 10

He underwent terrorist training in Afghanistan, where he met and befriended bin Laden, and built his contacts with the al Qaeda terror network.

After the 9/11 terror attacks, Khaazal was identified in a CIA report as bin Laden’s trusted man on the ground in Australia.

He was also connected to the Spanish al Qaeda operative, Abu Dahdah, who was accused of having strong links to one of the masterminds behind the September 11 attacks. Dahdah was convicted and jailed on terrorism charges, but has since been released.

Khaazal was convicted in 2008 of for compiling a document considered “likely to facilitate terrorism”.

Terrorist Imad Yarkas, centre, known as Abu Dahdah, was sentenced to 15 years in jail for conspiracy linked to the September 11 attack and 12 years for being a leader of al-Qa‘ida terrorist organization in Europe. Picture: Supplied.

It detailed how to shoot down planes, strike motorcades and assassinate high-ranking government officials in Australia, Britain, the US and other countries. It also listed specific methods of assassinations, including remote detonation of devices, letter bombs and sniper attacks.

After his release authorities successfully applied for him to be subject to control orders, which required him to wear a tracking device and restrict his movements and freedoms. He was banned from Sydney Airport, Newcastle Airport, parts of Circular Quay and White Bay, Coffs Harbour, Wollongong and Newcastle Ports, and any ­firing range or place that sells guns. Bothe

Khaazal was also subjected to a curfew where he had to be home between midnight and 6am.

Khaazal is no longer the subject of control orders.

The AFP and Khaazal’s lawyers all declined to comment.