Man charged after counter-terrorism investigation in southeast Queensland

A 24-year-old Bellbowrie man has been charged following a counter-terrorism investigation into alleged online activity, Queensland Police say.

Detectives from the Counter-Terrorism Investigation Group allege the man was making plans for acts of violence, after concerns raised by a member of the public were reported to Crime Stoppers.

The man was arrested yesterday and charged with one count of acts done in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act. He appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court today, 22 January.

Police say there are no known ongoing threats to the community and that no specific group or upcoming event has been identified as a target.

The Queensland Police Service said the safety of the community remains its highest priority and confirmed it continues to work closely with federal and state agencies.

Bail refused over alleged Australia Day attack plans

The accused, Sepehr Saryazdi, a PhD candidate affiliated with CSIRO, was refused bail after prosecutors alleged he planned to incite riots on the Gold Coast on Australia Day.

The court heard the 24-year-old came to the attention of counter-terrorism officers after allegedly posting messages in a private online group discussing violent actions, including the use of Molotov cocktails.

Prosecutors alleged Mr Saryazdi encouraged others to participate and outlined strategies related to confronting police and government authorities. The court was told he had allegedly obtained materials and expressed a willingness to die for his ideology.

The prosecution opposed bail, arguing the accused posed an unacceptable risk of committing a violent act if released.

Defence counsel told the court Mr Saryazdi was an academic who had become socially isolated after moving to Brisbane and had become emotionally overwhelmed by geopolitical issues. The defence argued he did not intend to harm anyone and sought to draw attention to his political concerns.

Magistrate Penelope Hay refused bail, finding the risk of serious injury to multiple people was too significant. Mr Saryazdi was remanded in custody and is due to return to court next month.