A 22-year-old West Australian man is set to face court on upgraded charges, with a joint counter-terrorism team alleging he sought assistance via a messaging platform to plan a terrorist attack.
The man was originally charged in December with several offences over extremist material he was allegedly caught with. On Friday, the Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprising the Australian Federal Police, WA Police, and ASIO, announced he now faces one count of other acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts.
“Police will allege the man sought assistance on a messaging platform in relation to explosive devices, military and tactical training, education, weapons manufacturing, combat techniques and fake documents as part of planning for a terrorist attack,” a statement read.
The earlier charges of collecting or making a document knowing it was connected with a terrorist act are set to be withdrawn during today's proceedings.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The upgraded charges indicate the investigation has uncovered evidence of active planning for an attack, presenting a serious security concern
- The case highlights ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in Western Australia and the collaboration between federal and state agencies
- The outcome of today’s court appearance may set the stage for a significant terrorism trial
Background
The man was first arrested in December on charges related to extremist material. The case is being handled by the Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team, a multi-agency taskforce that includes the Australian Federal Police, WA Police, and ASIO.
What to Watch
- The man’s plea and whether he is granted bail
- Any further details of the alleged plot that emerge during court proceedings
- The potential for additional charges or co-conspirators
Checked
7 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 7 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedThe man is accused of planning a terrorist attack and faces upgraded charges.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “WA man accused of planning a terrorist attack. A West Australian man will face court today on upgraded charges”
- SupportedA joint counter-terrorism team alleges the man sought help via a messaging platform to plan a terrorist attack.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “with a joint counter-terrorism team alleging he sought help via a messaging platform to plan a terrorist attack.”
- SupportedThe man is 22 and West Australian, and is set to face court on upgraded charges.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “A West Australian man will face court today on upgraded charges... The 22-year-old”
- SupportedThe man was originally charged in December with several offences over extremist material he was allegedly caught with.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “The 22-year-old was originally charged in December with several offences over extremist material he was allegedly caught with.”
- SupportedOn Friday, the Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprising the AFP, WA Police and ASIO, announced the man now faces one count of other acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “on Friday, the Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team – comprising the Australian Federal Police, WA Police, and ASIO – revealed the man was now facing one count of other acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts.”
- SupportedPolice will allege the man sought assistance on a messaging platform concerning explosive devices, military and tactical training, education, weapons manufacturing, combat techniques and fake documents as part of planning for a terrorist attack.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: ““Police will allege the man sought assistance on a messaging platform in relation to explosive devices, military and tactical training, education, weapons manufacturing, combat techniques and fake documents as part of planning for a terrorist attack,” a statement read.”
- SupportedThe earlier charges of collecting or making a document knowing it was connected with a terrorist act are set to be withdrawn during today's proceedings.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Charges the man already faced of collecting or making a document knowing it was connected with a terrorist act are set to be withdrawn during today’s proceedings.”