ONE of the nine men arrested in anti-terrorism raids across Melbourne overnight was the outspoken Melbourne Muslim cleric Abu Bakr, his lawyer said today. Criminal lawyer Rob Stary earlier declined to name the men he represented who were arrested and charged after early morning raids today. But Mr Stary replied: "Yes" when asked by ABC radio if one of the men arrested was Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr, also known as Abdul Nacer Benbrika, made headlines in August when he stated publicly his support for al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden. At the time, he denied being involved in any terrorist activities but told ABC Radio he was a supporter of Osama bin Laden. "Osama bin Laden, he is a great man," he said. "Osama bin Laden was a great man before 11 September, which they said he did it, until now nobody knows who did it."Bakr defended Muslims fighting against coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and said anyone who fought in the name of Allah would be forgiven their sins. He also said Muslims faced a problem in Australia as to whether to obey Australian or Islamic laws. "There are two laws, there is Australian law, there is Islamic law," Bakr said. On other religions, he said: "I am not only against the Jew. I am against anyone who try to harm my religion."
At the time, Prime Minister John Howard rejected Bakr's statements, labelling them unfair and damaging to Australian Muslims who believed religions should be respected and everyone should live in tolerance and harmony. Bakr is a dual Algerian and Australian citizen who has lived in Melbourne's northern suburbs since 1989. Mr Stary said the nine men, including Bakr, had been charged with being members of a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism legislation. The group had not been specified by authorities, he said. "They are not charged with being involved in the planning or preparation (of a terrorist act) ... they are charged with a membership offence only," he said. "They are the only charges. Because of the nature of the offences under the anti-terror legislation the law says that bail shall be opposed and shall be refused unless you can show there are exceptional circumstances."
Police had seized no materials that indicated the nine were about to launch a terrorist strike, Mr Stary said. "It appears to be the case that there's nothing ... of a sinister nature that was located within those premises – no weapons, no chemicals, no other instruments or any articles that might be used for that purpose."