A man accused of murdering a respected Muslim elder at a Melbourne mosque is facing serious danger in prison, his barrister says.
Erol Elmas, 23, is charged with the stabbing murder of 68-year-old Omer Ali Aysel at the Dallas mosque in December 2013.
His barrister, Julian McMahon, said Elmas had received threats from other inmates and had been shifted around within the prison system for his own protection.
Mr Aysel was a very respected elder in the Muslim community, and Elmas was now in danger following his arrest, Mr McMahon told the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Elmas is being held in the secure Thomas Embling mental health hospital suffering from schizophrenia and drug-induced psychosis.
Magistrate Ann Collins on Thursday committed Elmas, of Broadmeadows, to stand trial in the Victorian Supreme Court for Mr Aysel's murder.
In addition to the murder charge, he is facing three counts of attempted murder, two counts of intentionally causing serious injury and eight counts of assault.
He is accused of attacking eight other men at the mosque after killing Mr Aysel.
Elmas will next face a Victorian Supreme Court directions hearing in July.
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