Melbourne Islamic leader silent on centre’s alleged Flydubai hijacker links in Facebook video
Summary
A Melbourne Islamic centre leader made a video about staying silent without directly addressing accusations linking the centre to an alleged Flydubai co-pilot hijacker. The UAE says the co-pilot’s radicalization began while studying in Melbourne and planned a terrorist plot on a September flight which was stopped by passengers and crew.Key Facts
- The accused Flydubai co-pilot is 29 years old and studied engineering at RMIT University in Melbourne.
- UAE prosecutors say he drifted towards extremism while in Australia and attended a mosque linked to the “MyCentre” Islamic centre.
- MyCentre is led by Samir Mohtadi (also called Abu Hamza), who posted a video about the value of staying silent but did not mention the accusations.
- No evidence suggests the centre’s staff were involved in radicalizing the co-pilot or knew about his intentions.
- The co-pilot trained as a commercial pilot in New Zealand after leaving Australia.
- On September 30, passengers and crew stopped an alleged hijack plot aimed at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv.
- The suspect said he was inspired by the 9/11 attacks and prepared himself with violent materials and boxing training.
- Australian and New Zealand authorities are investigating his time in both countries.
- Australia’s home affairs minister said the co-pilot was radicalized online and emphasized better border and online screening.
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