Man Charged for Allegedly Sharing ISIS Material, Attempting to Fly to the Middle East

A Victorian man is set to appear in court after being charged by the Australian Federal Police’s National Security Investigations (NSI) branch as part of an ongoing investigation into a group of men accessing and sharing ISIS propaganda online.

Mohammad Emad Ahmadzai, 30, from the Melbourne suburb of Roxburgh Park, was arrested at Melbourne International Airport as he prepared to board a flight to the Middle East.

Police seized multiple electronic devices from the man, who refused to provide officers with access.

He has been charged with one count of possessing violent extremist material and another of contravening a requirement to assist police.

The two charges carry a combined maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) will allege the man was part of a group chat with five other Victorian men, all of whom have previously been charged and remain before the courts over allegations they shared violent extremist material, including ISIS propaganda.

“Creating and sharing violent extremist material can be the gateway to terrorism. It desensitises individuals, including youth, to violence and creates a permissive environment to normalise hate,” AFP Commander Counter Terrorism South Paula Hudson said.

“That’s why the AFP takes this crime type so seriously.”

The man was due to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sept. 13, while police said investigations into the accessing and distribution of violent extremist material remain ongoing.

The charges come just days after Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) boss Mike Burgess shared his concerns about extremism on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

“Twenty-five years later, transnational terrorism has re-emerged as a significant, malignant security concern,” he said in a speech.

“Al-Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates are exploiting permissive spaces in the real world and online to grow their capabilities, demonstrating a renewed capacity to conduct and inspire attacks outside their immediate spheres of influence.

“These groups still see western interests as legitimate targets.”