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From TV to terror suspect

Terror suspect Sulayman Khalid, 20, arrested at his house in Regent’s Park on Tuesday afternoon, is allegedly a well known face, both to Australian TV audiences and the criminal court.

Police allege that Khalid knowingly possessed documents related to terrorism.

The seized documents were “designed to clearly facilitate an attack”, said Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan.

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According to News Limited and Fairfax Media, Khalid is the same young man who came to public attention earlier this year when he stormed off a national current affairs program after being questioned about the cancellation of his passport.

Sulayman Khalid appeared on SBS’s Insight and abruptly walked out when questioned about his support for IS fighters and the revelation his passport had been revoked due to fears he would try to fight overseas.

On the show, Khalid said he felt unfairly targeted by the government.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn (L) and Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan speak about the arrest of two men on terror related charges. Photo: AAP

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn (L) and Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan speak about the arrest of two men on terror related charges. Photo: AAP

“In order for me to be connected to the values here of Australia, the Australian government needs to stop picking on the Muslims here,” he said.

“Whenever you express your opinion of a tyrant, you are subjugated to being a terrorist or subjugated to being a national threat.”

In September, a man named Sulayman Khalid pleaded guilty to the intimidation of a 43-year-old Iraqi Christian cleaner at a Bankstown shopping centre after the worker took offence at the Islamic State emblem on Khalid’s vest.

The arrest of Khalid on Christmas Eve coincided with the arrest of another man, aged 21, from Marsfield, who police allege breached a court-issued control order.

The raids came after Prime Minister Tony Abbott warned of a “heightened level of terror chatter” in the aftermath of the Martin Place siege.

On Wednesday, Khalid made a brief appearance via audio visual link at Parramatta Local Court.

His lawyer, Adam Houda, did not apply for bail on his client’s behalf.

In the brief hearing, a lawyer for the Commonwealth said bail “must not be granted” to Khalid unless the court was satisfied “exceptional circumstances” existed.

Khalid, dressed in a purple T-shirt and sporting long black hair, listened quietly and attentively during the hearing.

He was supported by a number of family members in court.

The matter was adjourned for mention to Sydney Central Local Court on February 18.

Outside court, Mr Houda said his client had been charged with a “very serious offence”.

“The authorities have got it wrong in the past, many times,” he told reporters.

“All that we ask is that the court process be respected and for this matter to be determined on the evidence.”

With AAP

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