Melbourne imam denies links to suspected flydubai hijacker

A Melbourne imam, Samir Mohtadi, has denied any connections to the suspected Flydubai hijacker, Hamam al-Hammami, stating he never met the man and has always preached peace. The Omani co-pilot, currently held in the UAE, allegedly drew inspiration from Al-Qaeda's September 11, 2001 attacks, aiming to cause maximum casualties. Prosecutors in the UAE found that the co-pilot became radicalized in Australia by reading extremist literature and consuming online content glorifying terrorist organizations and suicide attacks.

The prosecutor claimed the co-pilot knew an organization called "My Centre," managed by a Lebanese man named Abu Hamza. However, Samir Mohtadi, also known as Abu Hamza, stated he had no record of the co-pilot ever attending his community center. He emphasized that his center unequivocally rejects violence, and he has consistently preached peace throughout his life. Australian and New Zealand police are investigating the co-pilot's links to the country.