Vic: Terror accused refused bail = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2005
Vic: Terror accused refused bail = 2

Merhi and Taha are among 10 men charged last month with being members of a terrorist
organisation.

Eight of the men have also been charged with financing a terrorist organisation.

The alleged leader of the group, Muslim preacher Abdul Nacer Benbrika, 45, of Dallas,
has also been charged with directing a terrorist organisation.

Magistrate Marron said the prosecution's case against the Merhi and Taha was "not overwhelming".

However, he said conversations involving Merhi and Benbrika recorded by police and
read out in court today showed some "disturbingly strong and reasonably assertive positions".

During today's hearing, Crown prosecutor Nick Robinson told the court police intercepted
conversations between Benbrika and Merhi where they discussed Jihad.

Mr Robinson said that in the conversation Merhi said: "For example if John Howard kills
innocent Muslim families do we ... do we have to kill him and his family ... his people
like at the football?"

Benbrika allegedly replies "if they kill our kids we kill little kids."

Merhi then says "innocent ones" and Benbrika replies "innocent ones", according to
transcripts of the discussions read out in court.

In refusing bail, Mr Marron also expressed some concern at the conditions in which
the two men were being held at the maximum security Acacia Unit at Barwon Prison.

However, he said it was not a matter he could control.

Lawyers for Merhi and Taha had argued that the Crown prosecution case against their
clients was weak and delays in the court proceedings were expected.

AAP mf/ce/br

KEYWORD: TERROR VIC BAIL 2 MELBOURNE

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