Shocking
NSW Police Release Seven Men Without Charges After Dramatic Counter-Terrorism Arrest in Sydney
Although one of the men is known to ASIO, all of them were released and plan to sue NSW Police for profiling them.
All seven young men detained in a high-profile counter-terrorism operation in south-west Sydney on Thursday have been released without charges, NSW Police confirmed today.
The men, aged 19-24 and traveling from Melbourne, were intercepted amid intelligence suggesting a possible violent act, with authorities noting indications they may have been heading toward Bondi Beach, the site of the deadly antisemitic terror attack five days earlier. The dramatic arrest unfolded in Liverpool, where heavily armed tactical officers rammed at least one vehicle, a white Hyundai hatchback with Victorian plates, at the intersection of George and Campbell streets.
Photos and videos showed the men zip-tied and detained on the ground. Only a knife was recovered; no firearms were found.N
SW Deputy Commissioner David Hudson stated the group shared "extremist Islamic ideology" similar to that of the Bondi attackers, and one individual was reportedly under active investigation by ASIO, Australia's domestic intelligence agency. Police acted preemptively, emphasizing a low tolerance for risk in the tense post-attack environment.
After approximately 24-27 hours in custody under extended counter-terrorism powers, the men were freed due to insufficient evidence for charges.
No direct link to the Bondi investigation — which killed 15 people in an ISIS-inspired assault — has been established.Upon release outside Liverpool police station, the men described the incident as a "misunderstanding," insisting they had driven nine hours for a holiday and were en route to an Airbnb or a swim in Manly. One bearded man, speaking animatedly to reporters while holding papers and a water bottle, condemned the Bondi attack, denied extremist beliefs, and praised Allah, while others hugged or covered their faces.
The footage quickly went viral on social media. Their lawyer indicated plans to sue NSW Police for vehicle damage and alleged unfair treatment, claiming the group was profiled due to their Muslim faith.
Police stated they will continue monitoring the men while in NSW. The operation comes amid a backdrop of heightened security alerts across Australia following the Bondi tragedy, with ongoing investigations into potential threats.