Sydney man admits making Syrian war videos but denies inciting violence

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/09/sydney-man-admits-syrian-war-videos

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A Sydney man whose passport was cancelled over concerns he had a "jihadi mentality" says he did make videos about the war in Syria, but they were not intended to incite violence.

Abu Bakr, a Bankstown labourer, is among 20 Sydney men whose passports were cancelled by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio).

The spy agency accuses them of preparing to engage in politically motivated violence overseas.

The Muslim men were also said to be a threat to national security because of a "jihadi mentality".

Bakr said his faith did not permit killing innocent people.

"I did not have any intention to fight in Syria," he told ABC radio on Monday.

He claimed his Muslim "brothers" had been in Asio's sights since the Syria conflict began.

Bakr said his videos were not intended to encourage violence.

"What I was really trying to do was remind the Muslims of what they're supposed to be doing, right, not staying silent," he said.

"Get up and stop letting this tyrant step on your head.

"At the end of my lecture I was always clear, I'm not inciting any terrorism and I'm not inciting any violence."

The 19-year-old said he intended to fight the cancellation of his passport all the way to the high court.

Last week two men were charged after allegedly supporting Australians fighting in Syria's civil war.

The Australian federal police said they believed about 100 Australians were suspected of being involved in the Syrian conflict.

Asio said the agency could request passport cancellations on security grounds.

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