Sepehr Saryazdi, a 24-year-old PhD candidate, has been denied bail after being charged with planning a terrorist act targeting an Australia Day event on the Gold Coast. The court heard allegations that Saryazdi intended to use Molotov cocktails and encouraged others to join the attack, which he framed as part of a broader effort to replace the government with an AI-driven "cybernetics" society.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Saryazdi appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday, where prosecutors argued he posed a significant flight risk and should remain in custody. He was charged with one count of acts in preparation for or planning a terrorist act. Court documents allege he purchased supplies, including alcohol bottles and wrapping paper, in preparation for the attack.
Prosecutors cited Saryazdi's online posts, including messages in a private Facebook group where he allegedly stated he would "lead the Gold Coast riots on January 26" and encouraged others to stockpile materials. He also allegedly told group members to "make the police doubt their own world views and convince them to quit their job."
Deeper Dive & Context
Alleged Motivations and Ideology
According to court documents, Saryazdi allegedly viewed the government as "turning tyrannical" and sought to replace it with a system guided by artificial intelligence and data analysis. He reportedly had a document titled Australia’s future cybernetics government the next phase of civilization.
Evidence and Investigative Details
Counter-terrorism officers became aware of Saryazdi after monitoring his online activity. Prosecutors presented evidence from Facebook Messenger chats, where he allegedly discussed his plans and expressed a willingness to die during the attack unless killed or lobotomized by Australian intelligence agencies. He also allegedly told the group, "I’m imagining as soon as we manage to overthrow the government, ASIO will either kill me or lobotomize me."
Legal and Security Implications
The case has raised concerns about the radicalization of individuals with advanced academic backgrounds. Saryazdi holds a master's degree in mathematical sciences and was a PhD candidate at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). His alleged actions have prompted discussions about monitoring online extremism and the potential risks posed by individuals with specialized knowledge.
Legal experts note that the case hinges on the interpretation of Saryazdi's online statements and whether they constitute a credible threat. The prosecution must prove that his actions met the legal threshold for terrorist planning. If convicted, he could face significant prison time.