SYDNEY, Australia – Seven teenagers were arrested in Sydney amid allegations of following a violent extremist ideology, leading to raids across the city. A judge also extended a ban on social media platform X from sharing video of a knife attack on a bishop, which sparked the criminal investigation.
The police disclosed that the seven teenagers, aged between 15 to 17, were part of a network that included a 16-year-old boy who was accused of stabbing a bishop in a Sydney church. The violent incident was captured from a church service’s livestream and circulated on social media, prompting an Australian regulator to order X to remove the videos.
In response to the escalating situation, more than 400 police officers carried out raids at properties in southwest Sydney, citing the suspects as an immediate threat. Authorities alleged that the individuals were influenced by a religiously motivated, violent extremist ideology, posing a significant risk to public safety in New South Wales.
The investigation by the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team – comprised of federal and state police, Australian Security Intelligence Organization, and the New South Wales Crime Commission – was triggered by concerns about the group’s intentions. While no specific targets or timeline for violent acts were uncovered, the operation was deemed necessary to address the potential threat to the public.
A 16-year-old was charged with committing a terrorist act following the knife attack on an Assyrian Orthodox bishop and priest. The Australian Federal Court extended an order banning X from displaying videos of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel being assaulted, highlighting the legal battle between the platform and Australian authorities over content removal.
Amidst the controversy, X’s owner, Elon Musk, accused Australia of restricting free speech, sparking a debate on social media censorship. The involvement of social media in amplifying the aftermath of the attack was criticized by authorities, leading to a heightened focus on online platforms’ role in spreading extremist ideologies.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess confirmed his agency’s involvement in responding to immediate security threats and emphasized the impact of social media on radicalization among minors. The evolving landscape of terrorism threats and the rise of online extremism pose ongoing challenges for law enforcement and intelligence agencies in Australia.
Overall, the arrests and legal battles surrounding the Sydney incident shed light on the complexities of combating violent extremism in the digital age, underscoring the crucial role of coordinated efforts between law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and online platforms to safeguard public safety.