Following the stabbing attack at a Wakeley church in Sydney’s south-west, a joint team of 400 police officers executed 13 raids at multiple homes across Sydney on Wednesday morning. As a result of the arrests of seven boys, five juveniles have been charged, according to a statement. Two males, aged 17 and 14, were charged with possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained or accessed using a carriage service. One 17-year-old boy was charged with conspiring to engage in an act preparatory to, or planning, a terrorist act, as well as custody of a knife in a public place. Two 16-year-old boys were charged with conspiring to engage in an act in preparation for or planning a terrorist act. All five were denied bail and are scheduled to appear in a Children’s Court on Thursday. A 16-year-old boy has been accused of stabbing Assyrian bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and priest Isaac Royel during a live-streamed service at Christ the Good Shepherd Church on April 15. The associates of the boy, who is accused of committing an act of terrorism, are still being investigated by NSW Police. Meanwhile, authorities have assured Australians commemorating Anzac Day that there is no threat to public safety or Thursday’s commemorative events. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson stated that the loosely connected group posed an “unacceptable risk and threat” to the state. “The execution of those warrants is continuing,” he said. “I can assure the community there is no ongoing threat to the community and the action we have taken (on Wednesday) has mitigated any risk of future or further harm.” Krissy Barrett, Deputy Commissioner of the Federal Police, emphasized that Wednesday’s arrests were “not related to Anzac Day commemorations or any religious holiday.” “There is no immediate danger to the community,” she said. Although no specific targets were mentioned, authorities were alarmed by the ongoing threat and loose nature of the group, which includes some splinter groups. The boy accused of attacking the bishop, who was delivering a sermon, has been charged with committing a terrorist act, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. His lawyer told a court last week that he had received intermittent treatment for mental health issues for some years. Following the stabbing, several individuals were arrested and charged in connection with riots that erupted outside the church. In a statement on Thursday, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) acknowledged the community’s concerns following Wednesday’s police operation in southwest Sydney. “AFIC, along with prominent members of the community, has engaged with government as a result,” said President Rateb Jneid. “We recognise that rumours swiftly emerge after such incidents. We reject trial by speculation.” Dr. Jneid emphasized that speculation erodes trust and divides communities.
Five Juveniles Charged in Connection with Bishop Stabbing in Sydney Church
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