Man faces court over alleged extremist videos on phone
A 31-year-old man was arrested at Melbourne Airport. He was charged with possessing violent extremist material linked to terror groups.
Mohammad Emad Uddin Ahmadzai was arrested at Melbourne Airport on Saturday. He was trying to leave for Afghanistan.
Federal police raided his Roxburgh Park home in May and seized electronic devices. Authorities gained access to his phone in August.
They allegedly found videos linked to Islamic State and another prescribed terror group. The videos showed beheadings and mass casualties.
Border force officials had found a flag of a terror organisation in his luggage. This prompted the search.
Ahmadzai refused to give police access to his devices. This is a charge he now faces.
He also faces a charge for possessing violent extremist material. His defence lawyer questioned whether the material was deliberately sought.
Or was it simply received through messaging apps? He also questioned whether possession alone proves support for the groups.
A magistrate will rule on his bail application on Thursday.
- Mohammad Emad Uddin Ahmadzai, 31
- Suspect details
- Home raided May 7, phone analysed August 7
- Police access dates
Why it mattersThe case raises questions about what proof prosecutors need to show extremism support. It also raises questions about whether possession of propaganda videos alone is a criminal offence.
AustraliaAn alleged extremism case in Victoria highlights ongoing security concerns about Australians with overseas terror links and how courts weigh digital evidence.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 9 d ago
