Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Alleged Qld terrorist virus bail bid
A Queensland man accused of attempting to support a terrorist organisation is set to learn if he will be released from prison on bail.
April 2, 2020
An alleged terrorism sympathiser, who wants to be released from jail because of the coronavirus crisis, is expected to learn his fate.
Alaa Adam Atwani is charged with attempting to provide support to a terrorist organisation in 2014.
Prosecutors say the 28-year-old sent video-editing software to his ISIS-affiliated brother, Samir, in Syria.
Atwani denies the charge and says he should be released on bail ahead of a likely trial in NSW, where he’s accused of carrying out the offence.
The threat of illness from COVID-19 is much greater south of the border, his lawyer Ruth O’Gorman told Brisbane Magistrates Court.
“NSW has been hit significantly harder,” she said.
“If Mr Atwani is transferred in the very near future … there is going to be significant and severe consequences for him.”
Commonwealth prosecutor Sinead Butler opposed bail, saying Atwani is accused of a serious terrorism offence and remains a flight risk if released.
The court reserved its decision on the bail application until Thursday.