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Federal police drop Anzac Day terrorism charges against Harun Causevic Federal police drop Anzac Day terrorism charges against Harun Causevic
(35 minutes later)
The Australian federal police have formally dropped terrorism charges against 18-year-old Harun Causevic, who was arrested in April for his alleged involvement in an Anzac Day terrorism plot.The Australian federal police have formally dropped terrorism charges against 18-year-old Harun Causevic, who was arrested in April for his alleged involvement in an Anzac Day terrorism plot.
Three lesser charges for weapon possession remain, to which Causevic’s lawyer, Rob Stary, said his client intended to plead guilty.Three lesser charges for weapon possession remain, to which Causevic’s lawyer, Rob Stary, said his client intended to plead guilty.
Causevic, who has been detained in the maximum security Metropolitan remand centre in Melbourne for more than four months, was present in the county court and sat in the dock wearing a grey-and-black sweater, his hair pulled back into a ponytail. He was supported in the court by a member of the Islamic Council of Victoria, as well as his mother, father and sister.Causevic, who has been detained in the maximum security Metropolitan remand centre in Melbourne for more than four months, was present in the county court and sat in the dock wearing a grey-and-black sweater, his hair pulled back into a ponytail. He was supported in the court by a member of the Islamic Council of Victoria, as well as his mother, father and sister.
In a statement, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) said, “The CDPP conducted an independent assessment of all available admissible evidence in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth, and formed the view that there was insufficient evidence to continue the prosecution of Mr Causevic for this offence.In a statement, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) said, “The CDPP conducted an independent assessment of all available admissible evidence in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth, and formed the view that there was insufficient evidence to continue the prosecution of Mr Causevic for this offence.
“Accordingly, when the matter was before the Melbourne magistrates court today, the CDPP discontinued the conspiracy charge brought against Mr Causevic. He is no longer charged with any federal offence.”“Accordingly, when the matter was before the Melbourne magistrates court today, the CDPP discontinued the conspiracy charge brought against Mr Causevic. He is no longer charged with any federal offence.”
Given the case was ongoing it was not appropriate to comment further, the CDPP said. Given the outstanding charges it was not appropriate to comment further, the CDPP said.
Stary asked the magistrate to consider releasing Causevic on a good behaviour bond, given his client was no longer charged with any terrorism offences. Magistrate Jelena Popovic granted bail, but ruled Causevic must not leave the country and must attend counselling. She told Causevic the court would check in with him.
It could not be proved that the weapons, which included three knives, were intended to be used in any sinister way, Stary said.
Causevic had also undergone counselling while in prison from a Muslim chaplain, and had taken part in a community integration program, in part run by the Victorian police, the court heard.
However, because of riots at the prison before a smoking ban was introduced last month, programs for prisoners and family visits had been cut, the court heard.
The court granted bail. Causevic cannot leave the country and must attend counselling. Magistrate Jelena Popovic told Causevic that the court would check in with him.
“I really want to see how you’re going [back in the community],” she said.“I really want to see how you’re going [back in the community],” she said.
“My concern is you’re going to be released into the community, and I want to ensure you’re properly supported and things are going well. It’s not about making your life more difficult, it’s about actually trying to assist you with the readjustment.”“My concern is you’re going to be released into the community, and I want to ensure you’re properly supported and things are going well. It’s not about making your life more difficult, it’s about actually trying to assist you with the readjustment.”
In asking the magistrate to release Causevic, Stary said it could not be proved that the weapons, which included three knives, were intended to be used in any sinister way.
Causevic had also undergone counselling while in prison from a Muslim chaplain, and had taken part in a community integration program, in part run by the Victorian police, the court heard.
However, because of riots at the prison before a smoking ban was introduced last month, programs for prisoners and family visits had been cut, the court heard.
The hearing continues.The hearing continues.