A Queensland-based PhD student has appeared in court on serious terrorism charges following allegations he planned to orchestrate an attack during Australia Day celebrations. Sepehr Saryazdi, aged 24, was taken into custody by counter-terrorism officers in the Brisbane suburb of Bellbowrie on Wednesday.
Alleged Plot to Disrupt Australia Day Events
The arrest came after investigators uncovered plans to deploy Molotov cocktails during anticipated riots on the Gold Coast on January 26. Saryazdi, who is employed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday where he was formally charged with one count of acts in preparation for or planning a terrorist act.
Evidence Presented in Court Documents
Court documents obtained by media outlets reveal that between January 4 and 9, Saryazdi purchased bottles of alcohol, wrapping paper, and a blanket in preparation for the alleged attack. Crown prosecutor Ellie McDonald strongly opposed bail during the hearing, citing what she described as extremely concerning statements made by the accused in Facebook conversations.
In these online exchanges, Saryazdi reportedly declared, I'll be leading the Gold Coast riots on January 26, and encouraged others to start buying vodka bottles early and stockpiling batches. He allegedly expressed expectations that he would die during the Gold Coast attack unless he was killed or lobotomised by Australia's domestic security agency, ASIO.
Philosophical Justifications and Cybernetics Vision
The accused reportedly told police he viewed the current government as turning tyrannical and sought to replace it with a cybernetics alternative where artificial intelligence and data analysis would guide society. Investigators discovered a document titled Australia's future cybernetics government the next phase of civilization in his possession.
According to his Legal Aid solicitor, Hellen Shilton, Saryazdi intended to generate national news coverage and unite people through attention drawn to his disillusionment with governmental structures. Shilton explained that her client had adopted an increasingly isolated lifestyle after moving interstate to Brisbane, losing contact with his parents in the process.
Defence Arguments and Bail Denial
The defence solicitor argued that Saryazdi had become influenced by new acquaintances and protest videos, leading to emotional overwhelm. He felt he should do something with the way the world was going ... it was never his intention to hurt anyone, Shilton told the court. She suggested that when purchasing the alleged attack materials, reality began to set in and he recognised he had made silly choices about his cause.
However, Magistrate Penelope Hay noted inconsistencies between the bail application and Saryazdi's reported admissions to police. She specifically referenced his alleged intention to throw a Molotov cocktail in a public place on Australia Day and overthrow the government. Citing the apparent strength of the prosecution case and serious links to violent offending, Magistrate Hay denied bail.
Remand and Future Court Proceedings
Saryazdi has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in court on February 20 for further proceedings related to the terrorism charges.
Police Reassurance and Community Safety
Queensland Police Service confirmed that their investigation began following a report from a member of the public to Crime Stoppers regarding suspicious online activity. A police spokesperson emphasised that there are no known ongoing direct threats to the community or any upcoming events at this time.
The spokesperson clarified that it is not alleged that a specific group was the target of the alleged planned acts of violence, and reaffirmed that community safety remains their highest priority. When questioned about security measures for Australia Day events across Queensland, police indicated they would maintain an appropriate policing response for all scheduled gatherings.
Queensland Police strongly condemned anyone who incites violence and hatred within the community, asserting that all residents have the right to feel safe without experiencing threats or victimisation. The service continues to monitor the situation while preparing for Australia Day observances throughout the state.
