This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/02/sydney-terrorism-raids-alleged-plane-plot-man-released-without-charge

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Sydney terrorism raids: one of four arrested is released without charge Sydney terrorism raids: one of four arrested is released without charge
(about 2 hours later)
One-of-four men arrested over an alleged terrorist plot to bring down a plane has been released without charge. One of four men arrested over an alleged terrorist plot to bring down a plane has been released without charge.
Federal police have spent days searching several properties across Sydney following the arrest on Saturday afternoon of the men on suspicion of being behind the conspiracy. Abdul Merhi, 50, was taken into custody on Saturday after intelligence authorities became aware of an alleged plan to target a flight from Sydney to the Middle East.
A 50-year-old man was released from police custody on Tuesday night without being charged with a criminal offence, a joint statement from the Australian federal police and New South Wales police said on Wednesday. His lawyer, Moustafa Kheir, said on Wednesday: “Tough few days, but he’s relieved the truth is out. I will review police action.” Mehri was released without charge about 7pm on Tuesday.
Federal police have spent days searching several properties across Sydney following the arrests on Saturday afternoon.
The remaining three suspects will stay in detention under special powers which allow police to hold them for up to a week.The remaining three suspects will stay in detention under special powers which allow police to hold them for up to a week.
“This investigation remains ongoing, and further information will be provided at an appropriate time,” the statement said. “This investigation remains ongoing, and further information will be provided at an appropriate time,” a joint statement from the Australian federal police and New South Wales police said on Wednesday.
The plot allegedly involved an improvised device and the target was a plane, with one theory suggesting the would-be terrorists planned to use a meat grinder to conceal a home-made device.The plot allegedly involved an improvised device and the target was a plane, with one theory suggesting the would-be terrorists planned to use a meat grinder to conceal a home-made device.
Etihad Airways on Tuesday confirmed it was helping Australian authorities with the investigation amid reports the arrests were made after a tip-off from foreign intelligence services.News agency Reuters cited a US official as saying the plot was “fairly well along”.Police have until Sunday to charge the men before they have to be released, however, it’s understood detectives might be able to apply for further detention provisions.