Accused praised the 9/11 hijackers, court hears

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Accused praised the 9/11 hijackers, court hears

By Norrie Ross

February 14, 2008 02:41pm


A MAN accused of being part of a home-grown terrorist cell had a book praising the 9/11 plane hijackers who murdered nearly 3000 people in the US, a jury heard today.

Prosecutor Richard Maidment SC said a book The 19 Lions, a reference to the 19 hijackers, was found during an ASIO raid on the home of 22-year-old Abdullah Merhi.

It glorified the exploits of the terrorists who crashed passenger jets into the World Trade Centre and Pentagon, the Supreme Court was told.

"It suggests they will go down in history as perpetrating one of the greatest victories ever perpetrated in the name of Islam," Mr Maidment said.

Continuing his opening of the Crown case Mr Maidment said there was a "common library" of terror manuals and material supporting violent jihad used by some members of the terror group.

In one article found during raids on the homes of members it stated it was the obligation of Muslims to terrorise the kuffur, or enemies of Islam.

Accused Abdul Nacer Benbrika, 47, described as the leader and director of the group, quoted a verse where he said it was a badge of honour to terrorise the enemies of Islam.

Mr Maidment said the article made it clear fundamentalism was central to Islam.

Another article titled "Welcome to death" promoted the notion martyrdom was something that was blessed and that a person could perpetrate violent jihad and terrorism with the fear of consequences.

On trial are 12 Melbourne men, described as a home-grown terrorist group, who are accused of a series of terrorist offences.
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"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't." -General George S. Patton

Psalm 82-8: Arise, O God, judge the earth, for You inherit all the nations.