Imam denies link to attempted plane hijacking
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 05:54 · Archive
The head of an Australian mosque accused of radicalising an attempted hijacker has spoken out claiming attacks on 'the righteous'.
Samir Mohtadi, founding leader of MyCentre Mosque in Melbourne's north, posted a video to the mosque's Facebook page on Sunday in response to accusations linking him to an attempted plane hijacking. On September 30, Hamam al-Hammami, who was co-piloting a flydubai aircraft bound for Tel Aviv, allegedly tried to seize control of the plane before being overpowered by cabin crew and passengers.
On Saturday, the United Arab Emirates Attorney-General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi released a statement alleging that al-Hammami showed signs of drifting towards extremism and terrorism while a student at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 2017. The statement suggested the pilot became radicalised through associations with individuals attending MyCentre Mosque in Broadmeadows and that Mr Mohtadi received support from an association linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.
In his video, Mohtadi claimed 'the righteous will always be attacked' and referenced 'false accusations'. Without directly addressing the allegations, he drew a parallel to Mary, the mother of Jesus, saying those fixated on their ideas cannot be changed. 'The best thing sometimes is not to say anything,' he said.
How it is being reported
- 'False accusations': Imam speaks out after hijack linkThe head of an Australian mosque linked to a recent attempted plane hijacking has spoken out, referencing "false accusations".The West Australian · 12 Oct, 05:38
- 'False accusations': Imam speaks out after hijack linkThe head of an Australian mosque linked to a recent attempted plane hijacking has spoken out, referencing "false accusations".Perth Now · 12 Oct, 05:38
In this story: Samir Mohtadi · Hamam al-Hammami · MyCentre Mosque · Melbourne · Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology · United Arab Emirates
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