‘It’s changing hour by hour,’ lawyer says of how the Israel-Iran war could affect the Neil Prakash trial
Neil Prakash’s terror trial could face a major delay, with a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade lawyer saying the Middle East conflict created “significant difficulties”.
Victoria
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The conflict between Israel and Iran is threatening to delay the trial of accused former Islamic State terrorist Neil Prakash.
Melbourne-born Prakash, 34, was extradited from Turkey in December 2022 and is facing six terrorism charges, including engaging in hostile activity in a foreign state, being a member of a terrorist organisation, and entering or remaining in a declared area.
The Supreme Court heard on Wednesday the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade — which is involved in the prosecution — was seeking additional time to prepare documentation and legal arguments due to the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.
Barrister Jennifer Single SC, acting for DFAT and other federal agencies, said the conflict had created “significant difficulties” and prompted a reallocation of staff involved in the prosecution.
“The safety of consular staff is currently DFAT’s primary concern,” she told the court, adding preparations were being made for assisted departure.
“It’s changing hour by hour, I’m not exaggerating in this regard.”
Judicial Registrar Tim Freeman acknowledged the seriousness of the crisis but expressed concern at the delays in the case.
“This man has been charged with these very serious offences for a long time,” he said.
“The way this is going, he’ll stand trial in five years’ time.”
Earlier, Ms Single applied to close the court on national security grounds, submitting supporting documents an hour before the hearing.
But Registrar Freeman declined the request, noting the late notice.
“It is not appropriate to ambush, effectively, the court and the defence with this material,” he said.
“I don’t just close the court on a whim.”
The case will return to court next week.
Originally published as ‘It’s changing hour by hour,’ lawyer says of how the Israel-Iran war could affect the Neil Prakash trial
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