SYDNEY (AP) — A 16-year-old boy accused of stabbing two Christian clerics during a Sydney church service has been charged by police with terrorism offenses.
Authorities said the stabbing was declared a terrorist act because of the teenager’s suspected religious motivation and that the boy traveled up to 90 minutes from his home to the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Sydney’s western suburbs.
The teen spoke in Arabic about the Prophet Muhammad being insulted after he stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and the Rev. Isaac Royel during Monday night’s Assyrian Orthodox service. He was later overpowered by parishioners, sustaining severe hand injuries.
“Yesterday investigators attended a medical facility to interview the alleged offender where he was charged with committing a terrorist act,” said Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw at a press conference Friday in Sydney. The offense carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment for life.
Palestinian American poet Fady Joudah receives $100,000 prize
First look: Prince Andrew 'car crash' interview with Emily Maitlis film trailer released by Netflix
Ant and Dec discuss their emotional farewell to Saturday Night Takeaway after 22 years
This Might Not Be It review: Behind the Perspex partition
Arizona State starting quarterback Jaden Rashada enters transfer portal
Masterful meals: Masterchef 2014 Champion Ping Coombes's nasi goreng with sambal belacan
Food writer baffles This Morning viewers with tips for cheap lunches
Core blimey: Poached pears with blackberry drizzle and hazelnut shortbread
Space X: Rocket set to slam into moon wrongly blamed on Elon Musk
Maryland teen charged with planning school shooting after police review writings, internet searches
This Might Not Be It review: Behind the Perspex partition