Eldest Jalal brother slams police officers and commissioner in live interview

THE eldest member of the Jalal brothers prankster trio has slammed the “agressive” police who arrested them.

Two of the Jalal Brothers Leaving police headquarters in Spencer st. L-R Max and Arman. They were questioned by police over a series of terror pranks. Thursday, Feb 25. 2016. Picture: David Crosling ID confirmed by James Dowling

THE eldest of Melbourne prankster trio the Jalal brothers has defended the group’s actions and slammed police in a live radio interview.

Despite saying he had been advised by his lawyer to “stay out of the scene and keep quiet”, Max Jalal appeared on the Kyle and Jackie O Show to accuse Victorian police officers of “aggressive” behaviour while arresting the boys last week, and defend the online videos for which the brothers are now facing criminal charges.

The 20-year-old described the moment he learnt 30 counter-terror officers had raided the family’s home. He told the KIIS FM breakfast show he had ignored a call from his father requesting he and his younger brothers come home and speak with detectives, instead proceeding with a live television interview in Melbourne’s CBD. The trio later reported to Spencer Street police station as instructed by officers in a second phone call.

“Out of nowhere, eight detectives surround us and escort us inside the (part of the) building where they questions and arrest people,” he said.

“They were pretty aggressive, they started pushing around ... They separated us then they put us all in separate cells, including the youngest one.”

Two of the Jalal Brothers leaving police headquarters in Spencer St, Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling

The eldest Jalal said he was “puzzled” by the arrest, repeating claims the group had informed police of the fake drive-by shooting, witnessed by a nine-year-old girl who the group now claims was an actor, more than six weeks ago.

“We notified them seven weeks ago, all of that certain video was fake,” he said. “I told them everything, down to the actors’ names, the places, exactly who was in the scenes. Details, I gave them 100 per cent details.

“What bothered me to most was the chief commissioner went live on their page and press conference, he was announcing it like they’d caught Osama bin Laden or something.

“We haven’t harmed anyone, to be honest.”

Victoria Police have declined to comment over the claims with the case now before the courts.

The boys have also been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, which Max Jalal said was part of a Hookah pipe.

Max said he and his brother were worried about the future.

“Of course I’m worried, I have no idea,” he said. “I’ve never been to court, I’ve never been charged, I’ve never been arrested. The commissioner said he would throw the book at us.”

Max, his brother Arman, 18, and a 16-year-old boy face public nuisance charges over the video, which caused national outrage after being broadcast by media outlets last week.

Max and Arman are due to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 20, while the 16-year-old has been bailed to appear at a children’s court.