Sydney, Australia – Australian police apprehended seven teenagers in Sydney on Wednesday for allegedly harboring violent extremist beliefs. This came after a ban was extended to prevent the sharing of a video depicting a knife attack on a bishop, an incident that sparked the investigation that led to the arrests.
The teenagers, ranging from 15 to 17 years old, were connected to a 16-year-old boy accused of stabbing a bishop in a Sydney church. The stabbing incident was captured on a livestream during a church service and circulated on social media platforms. An Australian regulator has since ordered the removal of the videos, with some social media companies complying, while others, like X, contest the directive.
In response to the potential threat posed by the suspects, more than 400 police officers conducted raids and executed search warrants across southwest Sydney. Authorities believe the individuals were influenced by a religiously motivated, violent extremist ideology, prompting concerns about public safety. Despite the arrests, investigators have found no evidence of specific targets or timing for a violent act.
The operation, carried out by the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, involving federal and state police agencies, the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, and the New South Wales Crime Commission, aimed to address the immediate risk posed by the group. While the investigation is ongoing, the police have clarified that the operation was not linked to the upcoming Anzac Day public holiday, which has previously been a target for extremists.
One of the teenagers has already been charged with committing a terrorist act in connection with the knife attack on the bishop. The Australian Federal Court has extended a ban on sharing the video of the incident on X until May 10, despite objections from the platform. The eSafety Commission, which sought the global ban, has faced pushback from X, claiming jurisdictional overreach in implementing such measures.
Amid the legal battle between X and Australian authorities, tensions have escalated, with X’s owner, Elon Musk, accusing Australia of curbing free speech. The controversy surrounding the incident has also led to a backlash from Australian politicians and public figures, reflecting broader concerns about the role of social media in disseminating harmful content. As investigations continue and legal battles unfold, the incident underscores the complex challenges posed by online platforms in combatting extremism.