Teenager arrested for accessing extremist material
Officers from SA Police’s counter-terrorism branch have laid charges against a 14-year-old.
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Detectives from SA Police’s counter-terrorism section have arrested a teenager for accessing extremist material, including instructions on how to make an explosive device.
Police laid three charges against the 14-year-old last Thursday: possession of explosive instructions, information for a terrorist act, and extremist material.
The teenager faced Adelaide Youth Court on Friday, and were denied bail ahead of another hearing next week.
Murray Bridge News cannot identify them for legal reasons.
Under South Australian law, “extremist material” includes anything which encourages, glorifies, promotes, condones, seeks support for or attempts to justify an act of terrorism.
The penalty for possessing it may include jail time or fines of up to $10,000.
What to do if someone I know has become radicalised online?
According to Living Safe Together, a federal anti-extremism initiative, signs someone has become vulnerable to radicalisation may include:
- Changes in their ideology: Intolerance, hatred of people who disagree with them, and sharing material which promotes violence
- Social changes: Moving away from friendship groups and mainstream activities to spend time with others who share their views
- Negative experiences: Experiencing difficulties in life, having loved ones suffer in events overseas, or being exposed to hatred as either an offender or a victim
- Criminal activity such as property damage or trespassing, especially if it’s against a particular group; and mistrust of police or governments
If a person reaches the point of promoting or threatening violence, you should ring the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400, or contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
In the meantime, you can help them by keeping open lines of communication, encouraging respect and tolerance, and promoting engagement with positive friends and role models.
- More information: www.livingsafetogether.gov.au.
