Terror suspect claims innocence
2005-11-16 12:32
Sydney - An Australian terror suspect facing a possible life sentence for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack pleaded innocent on Wednesday - on separate charges of lying to a top spy agency about his relationship to a French man accused of having links to al-Qaeda.
Abdul Rakib Hasan, 36, was charged with two counts of making false or misleading statements to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation after he was questioned in 2003 about his relationship with the French suspect, Willie Brigitte.
Australian officials believed Brigitte was planning a terrorist attack in Sydney before he was deported in October 2003 to France, where he was in custody on suspicion of having links to al-Qaeda.
Hasan appears via video link
Investigators alleged that Hasan knew of Brigitte's plans to attack an Australian target and helped him find three safe houses in Sydney.
Hasan, a halal butcher, appeared in Sydney's central local court via a video link and indicated through his lawyer that he'd plead innocent to the charges.
Hasan was freed on bail after he was arrested along with 17 other men last week in sweeping terror raids across Australia.
The eight men arrested in Sydney were charged with conspiracy to manufacture explosives for a terrorist attack, while the 10 Melbourne men were charged with belonging to a terrorist group.
All 18 faced possible life sentences if convicted.
- AP