Australia Brings First Charges Under New Anti-Terror Laws

CANBERRA, Australia —  Police today brought the first charges under new terrorism legislation against a 20-year-old man in Sydney.

The action came as the government ramped up security at 180 airports around the country and Australia’s leading intelligence agency warned in its annual report that several Australians had trained with terrorist groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Sydney police overnight arrested Zak Mullah, 20, who appeared in court today charged with acts in preparation for a terrorist act, which carries a life sentence.

“This is the first time charges have been laid under the government’s new counter-terrorism laws that were brought in last year,” a spokesman for federal Atty. Gen. Philip Ruddock said.

New South Wales Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scipione told a news conference that several items, including videotapes, were discovered during a search of the man’s home. Scipione declined to comment on media reports that the articles included a “jihad-style” video.

Details of Mullah’s suspected activities were not released in court. He was remanded to custody and was to reappear in court Dec. 23.

His lawyer requested that Mullah be kept under medical supervision because of concerns over his psychological condition.

Meanwhile, Transportation Minister John Anderson said Australia was toughening up airport security and cargo scanning.

New rules require reinforced cockpit doors for all passenger and charter aircraft with more than 30 seats, specify more stringent background checks on pilots and trainees, and propose trying out new freight screening technology.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organization said investigations showed that a number of Australians have received “terrorist training” from the Al Qaeda network and its affiliates.