Iraqi to face people smuggling trial
One of Australia's most sought-after people smuggling suspects will stand trial in Perth to fight allegations he committed three offences in 2001.
Sayed Omeid appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to three counts of organising groups of non-citizens to be brought to Australia.
The Iraqi citizen was arrested in Malaysia in 2010 and fought his extradition until he was finally brought to Australia in November last year.
At the time of his deportation, Operation Sovereign Borders commander Angus Campbell alleged Omeid was the principal organiser of three vessels known as Flinders, Nullawarre and Conara that collectively carried a total of 763 people from Indonesia to Australia in 2001.
He will appear in Perth District Court on December 5 for a trial listing.
