‘Extremists preying on young people’: Brisbane teen to face court on terrorism charges

A Brisbane teenager is expected to face court on Thursday after he was arrested and charged with terrorism offences, with police seizing books described as nationalist, racist, violent and extremist from a property.

The 18-year-old from The Gap, in Brisbane’s north-west, was accused of possessing and controlling violent extremist material, which carried a maximum penalty of five years’ jail.

Police raided the 18-year-old’s home on Tuesday, and seized electronic devices containing a large amount of data, books associated with nationalist and racist violent extremism, and chemicals.

Forensic analysis of the digital material was ongoing, with police not ruling out further charges.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said police believed extremist groups were targeting vulnerable and young individuals online for radicalisation, given they were more susceptible to being influenced.

“We know these extremists are preying on young people in the same way that child sex offenders attempt to groom children,” he said.

“We urge parents, carers, family and friends to speak out if they see any signs of radicalisation in people they are close with.”

The 18-year-old was expected to face the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.

Most Viewed in National

Loading