Advertisement

Accused Qld terror suspect aided Islamic State media unit

A Brisbane man allegedly knew he was helping Islamic State when he handed over video-editing software to a relative who was working for the terrorist organisation.

Alaa Adam Atwani, 27, faced Richlands Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being charged with attempting to provide support to a terrorist organisation.

Police allege he provided Sony Vegas video-editing software to the relative, who had travelled to a Middle East conflict zone and was working for the Islamic State’s media unit.

“We will allege that the support this man provided was tangible and would directly assist a terrorist organisation with its objectives,” AFP Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney said.

Atwani committed the alleged offence at a unit in Sydney suburb Punchbowl between late 2014, court documents state.

It is alleged he knew he was helping a terrorist organisation.

He was arrested after a joint raid by ASIO and federal and state police at a sharehouse in Algester, in Brisbane’s south, on Tuesday morning.

One of his housemates, Rohit Rajana, told AAP he does not know Atwani well but he seemed like a “good guy”.

Atwani, known as “Adam”, was living there for a few months but did not spend time with any of the housemates, Mr Rajana said on Wednesday.

Atwani, who faces 25 years’ imprisonment, did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody.

His matter was set aside for mention in Brisbane Magistrates Court on June 21.

Assistant Commissioner McCartney said there was no threat to the community in Queensland as a result of the investigation.

He said police aimed to “identify all criminality associated with Australians who illegally travelled to participate in the conflict in Syria and Iraq”.

Advertisement
Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter.
Copyright © 2025 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.