A Sydney man facing a terrorism-related trial has been denied bail after a judge said there was evidence to show he supported the "killing of infidels". Mohammed Omar Jamal, 23, applied for bail in the NSW Supreme Court, where he and eight other men are to face trial on February 25 for conspiring to perform acts in preparation for a terrorist attack.Mr Jamal's lawyer Greg Scragg argued there were exceptional circumstances in favour of his client being granted bail, among them his ill-health due to gallstones and the weakness of the crown case.
| Gallstones? Take 'em out. Problem solved. |
He said the crown had evidence to suggest Mr Jamal was linked to the ordering of industrial chemicals, and also to extremist material, including a bomb-making manual.
In referring to his eight co-accused, Justice Whealy also said there was evidence to suggest they held "common beliefs". "Each of the conspirators considers himself to be a devout Muslim," Justice Whealy said. He also said the group believed Islam "throughout the world has been under attack and there is a religious obligation to come to the defence".
He also said the crown case pointed to a belief in "violent jihad ... including the killing of infidels."
Justice Whealy dismissed the application for bail but issued an order for Mr Jamal's medical case to be elevated on the surgical list to prevent a clash with his trial. Mr Jamal has been in custody since his arrest in late 2005.