Five teenagers have appeared in court, after being arrested in connection with the stabbing of the Bishop in the Wakely church stabbing. Counter-terrorism police are continuing searches in south-west Sydney and Goulburn.

Wakeley

Five teenagers recently appeared in court, charged in connection to the stabbing incident at Wakely church involving a Bishop. Their appearance is part of a broader counter-terrorism operation by police, spanning between south-west Sydney and Goulburn. The operation involves comprehensive searches across 13 properties from west Sydney to the southern highlands, targeting individuals suspected of planning terrorism acts.

During the operation, seven boys were detained, with five being subsequently charged with terrorism-related offenses. The police's effort is framed as a critical initiative aimed at ensuring public safety, leveraging the expertise of seasoned detectives. Among the charges, two 16-year-olds and one 17-year-old are accused of conspiring to commit a terrorist act, with the latter also charged for carrying a knife in a public place. Meanwhile, another 14-year-old and a 17-year-old face charges for possessing or controlling material related to violent extremism.

Further investigations uncovered alleged communications through social media apps, with mobile phones and other electronic devices being seized. The court is set to reconvene on June 21 to further address these matters. However, there's rising concern among the Muslim community about the potential backlash, fearing increased alienation and targeting as a consequence of these charges. They seek assurances, aiming to avoid becoming marginalized or scapegoated due to the actions of a few individuals.

Furthermore, despite Prime Minister's urges, Bishop Marmari Emmanuel opposes the removal of the video capturing his attack, stressing the importance of preserving free speech. He expresses concerns over the incident being misused for political gains or as a means to restrict public discourse.



Teenagers face court over terrorism offences

a mass police operation targeting 13 properties across Sydney's west through to the state's southern highlands. Police searching for teenagers they allege were actively planning terror attacks. These are difficult but important investigations and the public can have confidence that we've got experienced detectives that are undertaking this task force to keep the community safe. Seven boys were arrested, five now charged with terror-related offences. Our concern is with the heavy-handed nature in which it's been done. They are, we have to keep in mind that they are minors. Three today did not apply for bail, two 16-year-olds facing a conspiracy charge over preparing or planning a terrorist act along with a 17-year-old also charged with conspiring over a terror act and having a knife in a public place. Obviously they're serious matters, they'll be looked at seriously. Two others, a 14 and a 17-year-old were both charged with possessing or controlling violent extremist material. Police also seized mobile phones and other electronic devices alleging the teens were communicating through a social media app. Those teenagers who appeared in court today will face a magistrate here again on June 21st but there are now concerns growing amongst the Muslim community that they will become a target of fear and alienated from the rest of society. Today, asking for reassurance. We don't want to be political footballs anymore. Despite the Prime Minister's calls, Bishop Marmari Emmanuel says he won't support the video of his attack being taken down if it means limiting free speech. I would be of great concern if people use the attack on me to serve their own political interests, to control free speech. Kezia Dawn for 10 News First.

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