MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Five teenagers accused of following a violent extremist ideology have been charged with a range of offenses in an investigation that began with the stabbing of a bishop in a Sydney church, police said Thursday.
The five, aged from 14 to 17, were among seven boys arrested across southwest Sydney on Wednesday in a major operation by the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team. The team includes federal and state police as well as the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, the nation’s main domestic spy agency, and the New South Wales Crime Commission, which specializes in extremists and organized crime.
Two boys aged 16 and a 17-year-old have been charged with conspiring to engage in or planning a terrorist act, a police statement said. The older boy was also charged with carrying a knife in public, it said.
AP PHOTOS: Russian kids ride sticks with a horse's head in hobby horsing competition
Palmprint recognition payment in Shanghai draws debate
Japan urged to stop dumping Fukushima nuclear
Xi Inspects City of Laibin in South China's Guangxi
Pilot reported fire onboard plane carrying fuel, attempted to return to Fairbanks just before crash
France makes face mask mandatory in all indoor public places
Chinese, Qatari medical experts hold video conference on fighting COVID
China, Africa push for healthier communities
Imprisoned man indicted in 2012 slaying of retired western Indiana farmer
Global oil demand to record historic growth in 2021: OPEC
Macron takes part in charity soccer game, showing off sporting prowess
Japan's campaign to revive domestic tourism sparks controversy