Wearing a beanie and and hoodie, accused Islamic State terrorist ‘responsible for recruiting foreign extremists’ is LET BACK IN to Australia
- Mohamed Zuhbi arrived in Melbourne on flight from Turkey at 4pm on Saturday
- Zuhbi travelled from Sydney to Turkey in 2013 and then allegedly on to Syria
- He is accused of recruiting terrorists and ‘engaging in hostile acts overseas’
A 30-year-old Sydney man alleged to be an Islamic State recruit has been arrested upon his return to Australia, seen sporting a hoodie and beanie hat in handcuffs at the airport.
Mohamed Zuhbi, 30, arrived in Melbourne on a flight from Turkey about 4pm on Saturday and was arrested by counterterrorism authorities at the airport.
He was seen being escorted through the airport by officials in full PPE, himself in a black tracksuit with a hat and face mask.
Zuhbi allegedly travelled from Sydney to Turkey in 2013 and then on to Syria, where he helped foreign fighters travel to the area.
He has been charged with six terrorism-related offences including supporting a terrorist organisation and engaging in hostile activity overseas.
Mohamed Zuhbi, 30, arrived in Melbourne on a flight from Turkey about 4pm on Saturday and was arrested by counterterrorism authorities at the airport
He has been charged with three counts of provide support for another person to engage in a hostile activity in a foreign state.
Zuhbi fronted Melbourne Magistrates Court via video link on Sunday.
He will be placed into 14-day quarantine at a correctional facility in Victoria before he is extradited to New South Wales so his case can be heard in a NSW court.
Australian Federal Police’s Commander Stephen Dametto praised the quick response of police.
‘We have a responsibility to prevent our citizens from contributing to violence and instability overseas,’ he said.
‘Our laws are aimed at discouraging Australians from fighting in overseas conflicts and endangering their lives.’
NSWPF Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, assistant commissioner Mark Walton added protecting the state remained a top priority.
Zuhbi is also wanted by US law authorities for multiple offences including conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country.
Zuhbi will be placed into 14-day quarantine at a correctional facility in Victoria before he is extradited to New South Wales so his case can be heard in a NSW court