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Melbourne teen faces court on terrorism charges

Court documents have revealed a teenager accused of plotting a terrorist attack had tried to convince others to join Islamic State.

The 17-year-old was allegedly planning a suicide bombing when police raided his home in Melbourne’s North in May.

Supporters of the teenager left court knowing he could potentially face life in prison.

Supporters of the boy leave court in Melbourne. Photo: 7 News
Supporters of the boy leave court in Melbourne. Photo: 7 News

He is accused of planning a terrorist attack. Police raided his parent’s home in May and he has been in custody ever since.

He cannot be named or shown because of his age.


The boy's lawyers wanted his case heard in the Children’s Court. The maximum penalty there is three years.

But a judge ruled it should be heard at the Supreme Court.

During raids, police found three suspected pipe bombs, which they detonated.

Investigators discovered hand written notes which have since been translated.

Police raided his family's home in May. Photo: 7 News
Police raided his family's home in May. Photo: 7 News

Police allege the boy wrote: “We have men who want to kill and be killed in the cause of Allah. Quit your studies and rise for Jihad.”

“The Islamic State is calling you. Come to it and fight its enemies, the criminals.”

Police say the boy’s Facebook posts expressed extremist ideology and support of politically motivated violence.

The court previously heard the teenager was planning to make a pressure cooker backpack bomb and use it in a lone suicide attack.

The boy appeared in court via video link. There was no application for bail, and he was remanded for 21 days.

News break – November 18