Australian officials on Sunday blamed a "fairly major breakdown" in border security for the reported escape of a convicted terrorist through Sydney Airport to join the conflict in Syria.| He's a big boy from the photo; he'll certainly give his ration to Fatima stuck in the refugee camp... |
According to News Corp Australia, Sharrouf boarded a flight to Malaysia at Sydney Airport last month using his brother's passport and was now believed to be in Syria.
"I have to say I think that immigration and the federal police and customs have been doing a magnificent job," O'Farrell told reporters when asked about the case. "But I look to see what caused what appears to have been a fairly major breakdown."
| On the bright side, Sharrouf is likely to die in Syria, in which case the Aussies will breathe a sigh of relief and exclaim "good riddance". Then they'll pop open another Fosters and check the shrimp on the barbie... |
Sharrouf, 31, had his passport confiscated and has been on international watchlists since his release from prison in 2009. He pleaded guilty to committing acts in preparation for a terrorist act by possessing clocks and batteries to be used in a bomb blast as part of the so-called "Terror Nine" conspiracy, which resulted in Australia's largest-ever terrorism trial and the conviction of nine men.
Sharrouf served three years and 11 months in jail for his part in the plot.
Australia's government expressed concern last month at the growing numbers of its citizens travelling to Syria to fight alongside rebel groups, with several reported deaths.
| Really? Bruce, Ian and William, all of them? Again, good riddance as long as they go to Syria and die there... |
| So make sure they don't return... |