Supporters of men accused of planning terror attack refuse to stand in court
UPDATE: BOMBS designed to kill Melburnians last Christmas Day were modelled on pipe bombs found in an al-Qaeda magazine, a court has heard. It came as supporters of the accused terror plotters refused to stand for the magistrate in court.
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BOMBS designed to kill Melburnians last Christmas Day were modelled on pipe bombs found in an al-Qaeda magazine, a court has heard.
Ahmed Mohamed, 24 and Abdullah Chaarani, 26, have been committed to stand trial over the murderous plan, which allegedly saw the men stake out Federation Square just days before Christmas.
Both men pleaded not guilty to engaging in acts done in preparation of a terrorist attack and conspiracy to commit an act of terror.
In a day of drama, Magistrate Peter Mealy lashed out at supporters of the men who refused to stand in court when he entered.
Mr Mealy told the group that standing at the opening of a court hearing was a “simple act of courtesy in this country”.
“It’s a sign of respect for the law and justice,” he said.
“Some here today choose not to adhere to that simple custom.”
Mr Mealy said he was unsure what the group of supporters hoped to achieve by disrespecting the court.
“It is said that the simple act of failing to stand demonstrates views had that are not consistent with the general views of respect in this community,” he said.
Mr Mealy heard the men had modelled an “iron pipe” bomb on one found in the al-Qaeda magazine “Inspire”.
Both Mr Mohamed and Mr Chaarani allegedly had instructions for the bomb stored on their phones.
Surveillance footage played to the court today allegedly showed the men preparing their murderous rampage while unsuspecting children played around them.
Crown prosector Pat Doyle said one the alleged terrorists, Ibrahim Abbas, 22, could be seen making a stabbing motion as the men chatted from a high vantage point at the top of stairs.
Police allege Mr Mohamed was the ring leader of the terrorist cell, which had constructed a bomb made of sparkler material and match heads.
The men, along with co-accused Hamza Abbas, 21, were all captured on footage as they purchased a vital ingredient for their bomb from a Chemist Warehouse in the lead-up to Christmas.
The Herald Sun is unable to report the outcome of a charge entered against Ibrahim Abbas, due to a court-imposed gag order.
Police raids conducted at Mr Mohamed and Mr Chaarani’s home turned-up 800 sparklers and 875 match heads and a bottle of acetone believed to be components of a bomb.
Mr Doyle claimed Mr Mohamed was ready to die on Christmas Day.
Police phone taps allegedly recorded the man hurriedly organising a “reconassance” trip to Federation Square five days before Christmas.
“This was about to happen,” Mr Doyle said of the attack. “It was nothing less than a stake-out.”
He told the court Ibrahim Abbas purchased machetes four days before Christmas which were to be used in the attack.
In one phone intercept, Mr Chaarani was heard declaring “I’m sh---ing bricks.”
But Mr Doyle claimed Ibrahim Abbas was highly motivated, telling his friend his “sword is a part of him now”.
Another phone tap allegedly caught Mr Mohamed expressing concerns about what would happen to his wife.
Mr Doyle said he was worried about her expenses and what others would think of her religious beliefs when he’s gone.
He allegedly told his friends what they were planning was more important than anything else and to cancel all plans.
“We’re running out of time,” he allegedly said.
When Hamza Abbas was arrested he claimed the men had gone to Federation Square for an ice-cream.
It was a lie Mr Mohamed had allegedly told his curious wife as the group drove there.
But the video showed the men bought no iced treats, Mr Doyle said.
The preliminary hearing continues.