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Perth Now
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Concerning trends spurring terror act review
The increasing radicalisation of young people and 'hate-based violent' acts committed by perpetrators influenced by mixed ideologies, such as the woman-hating incel movement, have spurred a review into the definition of a terrorist act. The 'timely' probe, the first since the definition was instituted after September 11, will be conducted by the government's independent National Security Legislation Monitor, and is set to be launched in Canberra on Monday. While Australia's legislation was first created in response to the 2001 attacks in the US and the threat of 'major mass-casualty events' organised by the likes of al-Qa'ida, the issues paper notes the threat is now posed by 'young, lone actors with basic weapons who are pursuing grievances fuelled by a mix of ideologies'. Quoting ASIO director-general Mike Burgess, the report noted Australia's top spy chief's anxieties that a 'generation of digital natives' will 'enter a vulnerable age for radicalisation' inflamed by 'AI-fuelled algorithms'. ASIO chief Mike Burgess has warned of the increasing risk for young Aussies to be radicalised on social media. NewsWire/ Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia The features will 'make it easier for extremist material to find vulnerable adolescent minds that are searching for meaning and connection'. The review will also look into whether the definition of an ideological driver for a terrorist act should be sharpened to capture emerging violent threats, 'such as the 'incel' movement'. This would also help authorities avoid 'focusing only on 'traditional' motives such as al-Qa'ida-inspired extremism'. As it stands, a terrorist act under the Criminal Code needs to be done with the intention (a terrorist purpose) to coerce or influence either the Australian or foreign government through intimidation, or be done to intimidate the public or a group. It also requires a terrorist motive, like the intent to advance a political, religious or ideological cause. An act of terrorism also only applies to specific harm, which includes death or endangering life, causing serious physical harm or damage to property, or creating a serious risk to health and safety. Cyber attacks, or the serious interference, destruction or disruption of an electronic system. The number of laws which rely on the definition of a terrorist act has also expanded from 20 offences and three specific powers, to now more than 300 Commonwealth, state and territory laws, offences, obligations and powers 'that rely on his definition'. The increased prevalence of extreme ideologies was one of the reasons Mr Burgess increased Australia's terror threat level from probable to possible in August 2024. The report added that a 'diversity of ideologies and other drivers of violent attacks has also reportedly increased,' with conspiracy-fuelled extremism often 'reinforced through online interactions with like-minded individuals'. 'With no agreed definition of what constitutes an ideology and how 'mixed motives' should be treated, there may be some uncertainty as to how law enforcement agencies should respond to certain violence,' it said. 'That is, should they respond using special terrorism powers and offences or using general law enforcement powers and criminal offences or in some other way. 'Hypothetical examples of 'mixed motive' violence include a man with a history of engaging in family and domestic violence and downloading 'incel' material who kills a number of women, including family members.' Attorney-General Michelle Rowland will attend the launch of the review into the definition of the terrorism act. NewsWire/ Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the threat of terrorism in Australia and in Australian interests was 'evolving', acknowledging comments from Mr Burgess who has said the security environment was 'more volatile and unpredictable than ever before'. However, she said 'extremism thrives where division festers' and said the government would remain 'vigilant, principled and united' against hate. 'We know that the best way to prevent radicalisation is to ensure that all Australians – regardless of background, faith or belief – feel heard, valued and protected,' she said. 'That is why partnerships with communities, education programs and early intervention initiatives are an essential part of our national Counter-Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy released earlier this year.' Ms Rowland attended the launch of the review alongside UN Special Rapporteur Ben Saul and Law Council president Juliana Warner. Also present at the launch were victims of terror including Louise Hope, a survivor of Sydney's Lindt Cafe siege in 2014, and Alpha Cheng, whose father Curtis, an accountant for NSW Police, was killed by a 15-year-old boy in 2015.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Go after them and their families': Islamist terror leader calls for assassination of Donald Trump, JD Vance in 30-minute rant; watch video
(Photo: X) An Islamist terror group leader has released a disturbing video calling for the assassination of US President Donald Trump , Vice President JD Vance, and several top advisers. He said their strong support for Israel was the reason behind the threat, according to the New York Post. The Yemen-based figure is Sa'ad bin Atef al-Awlaki, who is the leader of al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). In a disturbing 34‑minute video titled 'Inciting the Believers', released on Sunday, the terror leader urged American Muslims to 'take revenge' and strike at those he called 'infidel Americans'. He named Trump, Vance, as well as figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio , Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and billionaire Elon Musk . 'Go after them and their families and all those who have any ties or are close to the politicians of the White House,' al‑Awlaki said. He further said, 'There are no red lines after what has been happening to our people in Gaza,' and endorsed recent antisemitic attacks and prior assassination attempts on Trump, according to security sources. The video also includes a broader incitement of violence against Jewish people in the US. 'Do not leave a single safe place for Jews — just as they have not left any homes, shelters, or respite for the Palestinians,' al‑Awlaki said. 'Even hospitals are being bombed … Take revenge.' Al‑Awlaki became head of AQAP in March 2024 and has a $6 million US bounty on his head offered by the State Department. AQAP is officially designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the US government. The Associated Press reported that al‑Awlaki's video was his first since assuming leadership and also urged lone‑wolf attacks targeting leaders in Egypt, Jordan and Gulf states over the Gaza conflict. According to analysts, AQAP appears to be trying to regain prominence amid growing tensions in Gaza and rising influence of the Iran‑backed Houthi movement in Yemen.
New York Post
10-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Islamist terror leader calls for assassinations of Trump, JD Vance over pro-Israel views in disturbing video: ‘Take revenge'
The leader of a heinous Islamist terror group has called for President Trump and scores of his top advisors to be assassinated as revenge for their pro-Israel stances, The Post has learned. Sa'ad bin Atef al-Awlaki, the newest leader of al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) group, issued the disturbing call in a propaganda video released on Sunday — as he encouraged Muslims in the US to 'take revenge,' sources confirmed. Sa'ad bin Atef al-Awlaki issued the disturbing call in a propaganda video released on Sunday. Memri TV 'Do not consult anyone about killing infidel Americans,' he said in the sick clip. 'Go after the scum of the earth and its greatest criminals. These are Trump and his vice president [JD Vance], his advisor and his supporters in terms of finance, administration, and technology.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and even Elon Musk were among the advisors named, sources said. 'Go after them and their families and all those who have any ties or are close to the politicians of the White House. There are no red lines after all that has been happening to our people in Gaza.' Elsewhere, al-Awlaki — who the US State Department has issued a $6 million bounty for — praised suspects who have carried out a spate of recent antisemitic terror attacks, as well as those behind the prior assassinations attempts on Trump's life. President Trump speaks at the White House on June 9, 2025. REUTERS In the 34-minute video — titled 'Inciting the Believers' — the terror leader called, too, for 'strikes' on all Jews. 'Do not leave a single safe place for Jews — just as they have not left any homes, shelters, or respite for the Palestinians,' he said. 'Even hospitals are being bombed over the heads of the sick and wounded, and the heads of the women, children and the elderly. Take revenge.' AQAP has long been designated a foreign terrorist group by the US. Al-Awlaki, who took over as leader of the Yemen-based group in March 2024, has the $6 million bounty on his head for previously calling for attacks against the US.
