Key Takeaways
- Sepehr Saryazdi, a 24-year-old student, has been accused of planning to throw a Molotov cocktail at an Australia Day crowd as part of an alleged terrorist plot to overthrow the government.
- Saryazdi allegedly planned the attack to promote a new phase of civilization powered by artificial intelligence and had been preparing for the attack by buying bottles of alcohol, wrapping paper, and a blanket.
- He has been charged with terror offenses and applied for bail, which was denied due to the apparent strength of the prosecution case and his alleged serious link to violent offending.
- Saryazdi’s solicitor claimed that he was misguided and had never taken part in any protests, but his statements to police and online posts suggest otherwise.
- The case has raised concerns about the potential for extremist ideologies to influence individuals, particularly those who feel isolated or disenfranchised.
Introduction to the Case
The Australia Day celebrations in Queensland took a disturbing turn when a 24-year-old student, Sepehr Saryazdi, was accused of planning to throw a Molotov cocktail at the crowd as part of an alleged terrorist plot to overthrow the government. Saryazdi, who has a Master of Mathematical Sciences from the University of Sydney, allegedly planned the attack to promote a new phase of civilization powered by artificial intelligence. According to court documents, he had been preparing for the attack by buying bottles of alcohol, wrapping paper, and a blanket between January 4 and 9.
The Alleged Plot
Saryazdi allegedly posted online that he would be leading Australia Day "riots" on the popular tourist strip, and his Facebook chat comments were described as "extremely concerning" by the crown prosecutor, Ellie McDonald. He allegedly stated that he would die during the attack unless he was killed or lobotomized by Australia’s spy agency ASIO. Saryazdi’s comments also suggested that he saw the government as "turning tyrannical" and wanted to replace it with a "cybernetics" alternative where society was guided by AI and data analysis. He allegedly had a document titled "Australia’s future cybernetics government the next phase of civilization", which outlined his vision for a new society.
The Defendant’s Background
Saryazdi’s online profiles suggest that he is a highly educated individual with a strong interest in mathematics and science. He described himself as a PhD candidate with the CSIRO data and digital specialist arm and Australian Centre for Robotics. However, his solicitor, Hellen Shilton, claimed that he had a very isolated lifestyle and had lost contact with his parents since moving interstate to Brisbane. Shilton said that Saryazdi had become influenced by new people he associated with and had been watching videos of protests, which may have contributed to his radicalization.
The Bail Hearing
Saryazdi applied for bail in Brisbane Magistrates Court, but his application was denied due to the apparent strength of the prosecution case and his alleged serious link to violent offending. Magistrate Penelope Hay noted that Saryazdi’s argument for bail appeared at odds with his statements to police, which suggested that he intended to throw a Molotov cocktail in a public place on Australia Day and overthrow the government. Saryazdi’s solicitor claimed that he was misguided and had never taken part in any protests, but his online posts and statements to police suggest otherwise. The prosecution argued that Saryazdi’s comments were "extremely concerning" and that he posed a risk to the community.
Conclusion and Implications
The case of Sepehr Saryazdi highlights the potential for extremist ideologies to influence individuals, particularly those who feel isolated or disenfranchised. The use of social media and online platforms can facilitate the spread of radical ideas and contribute to the radicalization of individuals. The case also raises concerns about the potential for violent extremism to manifest in unexpected ways, such as through the use of Molotov cocktails or other improvised explosive devices. As the investigation into Saryazdi’s alleged plot continues, it is likely that more will be revealed about the motivations and influences behind his actions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and community awareness in preventing and responding to violent extremism.
