Daily London
A young Queensland man has today been charged with sharing violent extremist material online.
The 19-year-old was arrested during a raid yesterday by multiple law enforcement agencies at a home on the Gold Coast.
He was due to appear in court today charged with five offences after allegedly sharing the material with family members and friends from last January to April this year.
Each offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
Officers from the Australian Federal Police, Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation searched a Gold Coast home yesterday.
Electronic devices allegedly containing violent extremist material were discovered and seized by police.
During an earlier raid of the same home in April, investigators seized two mobile phones, a laptop and a handwritten diary.
Following a forensic analysis of the digital material, investigators will allege the devices containing videos depicting violence and propaganda material for a proscribed terrorist organisation.
Authorities say investigations into the seized material are ongoing and further charges have not been ruled out.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said the community had an important role to play in helping prevent the radicalisation of young people.
“We cannot emphasise enough the importance of parents, schools, health and social services, and technology companies playing a role in preventing access to, and the consumption of, violent extremist material online and to spot the early signs of radicalisation.”
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.
