Sydney Church Stabbing: Teen Suspect Cites 'Exceptional Circumstances' for Bail

A 15-year-old boy accused of planning a terrorist attack in connection with the stabbing of a Sydney bishop is seeking bail, claiming 'exceptional circumstances.' The boy, part of a group of six teens charged in the case, allegedly adhered to a "religiously motivated, violent extremist ideology" and was in communication with the teen charged with carrying out the stabbing.

A 15-year-old boy accused of planning a terrorist attack has applied for bail, claiming 'exceptional circumstances.' The boy is one of six teens, ages 14 to 17, charged in connection with the stabbing of a Sydney bishop in April.

Police allege that the group adhered to a "religiously motivated, violent extremist ideology" and were part of a network that included a 16-year-old charged with stabbing an Assyrian Orthodox bishop and priest on April 15. The stabbing was live-streamed online, triggering a major counterterrorism response.

The 15-year-old suspect's lawyer, Ahmed Dib, argued in court that his client should be released on bail due to exceptional circumstances. Dib presented an affidavit from the boy's mother, school report cards, and a psychological report, highlighting his behavioral issues, lack of confidence, and low self-esteem.

However, prosecutor Rebekah Rodger opposed the bail application, arguing that the boy's circumstances were unexceptional. She noted that it is common for young people with behavioral issues to face terrorism accusations and cited the boy's participation in an encrypted chat group where he discussed targeting Jewish people.

Rodger also pointed out that the boy referred to the teen charged with the stabbings at Christ the Good Shepherd Church as "my mate." The bishop's attacker was charged with committing a terrorist act four days after the stabbing, which triggered a riot outside the church.

Dib countered that his client was putting on a macho performance on social media and was not the "monster" prosecutors sought to paint him as. He denied that the boy had any genuine plans to carry out an attack.

Two hand-drawn Islamic State group flags were found in the boy's bedroom when police raided it last week. He watched the bail hearing by video link from a detention center while his parents attended court.

Magistrate James Viney is expected to make a decision on the bail application as early as Thursday. If granted bail, the boy would be subject to strict conditions, including electronic monitoring and a curfew.

The case has raised concerns about the radicalization of young people and the spread of extremist ideologies in Australia. The Australian government has been criticized for its handling of the issue, with some arguing that more needs to be done to prevent young people from becoming radicalized online.