A PhD student affiliated with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court charged with planning a terrorist act, in a case that has drawn immediate police opposition to his bail application.
Sepehr Saryazdi, whose research status as a doctoral candidate at CSIRO has been reported by the media, is facing a single count of acting in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act under Commonwealth law. He appeared in court on Thursday, where he applied for bail with the assistance of a Legal Aid duty lawyer, the Courier Mail reported.
Queensland Police, who arrested Saryazdi and charged him with the federal offence, have formally opposed his bail application, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations.
Further details about the specifics of the alleged plot have not been publicly disclosed at this stage, as the matter continues to proceed through the Queensland legal system. The case is being watched closely, given the involvement of a research student at one of Australia’s leading science institutions and the gravity of the charges.
CSIRO has not issued a public statement regarding the matter at the time of reporting. Proceedings will continue in the Brisbane Magistrates Court as bail considerations and further legal steps unfold.
Note: This article will be updated as more information becomes available from court reports or official statements.
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