SYDNEY, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Counter-terrorism police in the Australian state of Queensland said on Thursday that a man has been arrested and charged over alleged plans for acts of violence.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) said in a statement that the 24-year-old man from the southwest suburbs of Brisbane was arrested on Wednesday and charged with one count of other acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts.
The accused, Sepehr Saryazdi, made an initial appearance at a Brisbane court on Wednesday where prosecutors said police had commenced an investigation after receiving a report from a member of the public about posts allegedly made online.
Prosecutor Ellie McDonald said in court that Saryazdi, who most recently worked for national science agency the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), had plans to lead a riot during Australia Day celebrations on Monday and had purchased supplies for Molotov cocktails.
McDonald said that it will be alleged during his trial that Saryazdi had sent numerous messages about the plan in a private social media group in which he encouraged others to commit similar attacks.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The QPS said that there are no known ongoing direct threats to the community or any upcoming events. ■
