Melbourne Islamic leader linked to suspected Flydubai hijacker condemns 'false accusations'

A Melbourne man, whose Islamic community centre has been associated by UAE prosecutors with the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a flydubai aircraft, has denounced "false accusations". The Omani co-pilot, now detained in the UAE, was reportedly inspired by Al-Qaeda's September 11, 2001 attacks, aiming to cause maximum casualties, according to Emirati prosecutor's conclusions released by state media earlier this week.

The prosecutor stated the co-pilot's radicalisation began while he was studying in Australia via exposure to extremist literature and online content that praised terrorist groups and suicide attacks. He had reportedly been linked to an organization called "My Centre", managed by a Lebanese man named Abu Hamza, though neither the centre nor Abu Hamza are charged with any crimes.

In a video posted online, Abu Hamza, identified as Samir Mohtadi, defended himself against what he termed "false accusations", stating that those who are righteous have always faced attacks, abuse, accusations, imprisonment, and even death. He added, "The best thing sometimes is not to say anything", implying that he might refrain from commenting further.

However, he did not offer any direct response to the UAE prosecutor's allegations. On the September 30 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the suspect utilized an emergency axe to assault the plane's Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, who defended himself by attempting to summon help. Another pilot on the return flight, who was also present, observed the cockpit door being opened and closed repeatedly in an unusual manner, prompting him to enter the cockpit alongside a cabin crew member and several passengers.

Together, they saved the injured captain and subdued the suspect. Subsequently, the return flight captain and co-pilot safely landed the aircraft at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Authorities in Australia are probing the man's ties to the nation, while New Zealand police have disclosed that he spent time there on a six-month student visa, where he completed part of his flight training, according to national broadcaster RNZ.