Sydney terror accused remains in custody

Ihsas Khan, the 22-year-old charged with committing an act of terrorism and attempted murder, has been formally refused bail.

Police tape

File (AAP) Source: AAP

A Sydney man is set to front court next week to face charges relating to a stabbing in an alleged Islamic State-inspired attack.

Ihsas Khan, 22, who was charged with committing a terrorist attack and attempted murder after a 59-year-old man was stabbed multiple times attack in Minto, did not appear in person or via video link when his case was mentioned at Parramatta Local Court on Sunday.

He did not seek seek and it was formally refused.

Court documents allege Khan engaged in a terrorist act in an attempt to murder Wayne Greehalg with the "intent to influence the Australian Government".

Mr Greenhalg was stabbed while walking through a reserve on Saturday afternoon, suffering injuries to his body and hands.

He was treated by paramedics and flown by helicopter to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition. His condition has since improved to "serious".

Police say that when an officer arrived at the scene on Saturday Khan tried to stab the officer before being arrested.

Police allege the attack was "planned" and "deliberate" despite the victim and Khan being unknown to one another.

"This was clearly a very volatile a very violent situation that police and the members of the community were confronted with," Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn told reporters on Sunday.

The accused allegedly shouted words at the scene, which led police to believe he was inspired by ISIS.

"We know that this person has strong religious beliefs inspired by ISIS. What made him act yesterday we don't know," she said.

"It was deliberate and it was violent."

Khan's court case has been adjourned to Wednesday at Sydney's Central Court.

The prime minister has defended new anti-terrorism laws that could see children as young as 14 detained, saying intelligence remains critical in tackling terrorism.

The federal government is preparing to introduce the laws to parliament this week.

The Counter Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill and Criminal Code Amendment High Risk Terrorism Offenders Bill will include reforming the laws relating to the age of alleged offenders and post-sentence detention.对抗恐怖主义法案以及刑法修

Attorney-General George Brandis says the age of alleged offenders is being reduced to 14 because there have been cases of children that age being involved in planning terrorist attacks.
Malcolm Turnbull says it's regrettable that the age had to be lowered, but it's part of the constant process of review of national security legislation.

"We have to recognise that our terrorists, our enemies will become more agile in the way they seek to attack us. And we must be agile in the way we respond."




 

 


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Source: AAP, ABC Australia




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