Anzac Day terror plot, Melbourne
On 18 April 2015 a joint counter-terrorism operation in Melbourne’s south-east arrested several men over an alleged Islamic State-inspired plot against Anzac Day commemorations. About 200 officers took part (Operation Rising). Sevdet Besim, then 18, of Hallam, was charged with preparing or planning a terrorist act. Victoria Police said the planned attack included targeting police officers with edged weapons.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions later summarised that Besim planned to kill a police officer during Anzac Day commemorations and then use the officer’s weapon for further violence. He had been with Numan Haider in the hours before Haider’s September 2014 attack, and Haider’s death became a catalyst for his planning. He communicated online with a 14-year-old in the UK who encouraged the plot. Besim pleaded guilty to one count under Criminal Code s 101.6(1).
On 5 September 2016 he was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of 7 years and 6 months. Prime Minister Tony Abbott urged Australians to attend Anzac Day ceremonies in the largest possible numbers. Victoria increased visible policing for Anzac events.
More sources:
