{
  "id": 14071849,
  "title": "Melbourne imam denies links to suspected flydubai hijacker",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/melbourne-imam-denies-links-to-suspected-flydubai-hijacker",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T00:06:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2026/10/1554108/melbourne-imam-denies-links-suspected-flydubai-hijacker"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Melbourne imam has denied any connection to the co-pilot of a flydubai jet who allegedly hijacked the aircraft, according to a statement posted on social media. The imam, identified as Abu Hamza, stated he had never met the co-pilot, named in reports as Hamam al-Hammami, and that the centre he manages, My Centre, had no record of the man attending. The prosecutor in the United Arab Emirates, where the co-pilot is currently in custody, claimed the individual was radicalized through extremist literature and online content during his time studying in Australia. The prosecutor also alleged that the co-pilot drew inspiration from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and aimed to cause maximum loss of life during his attempt to hijack the plane. Despite these allegations, Abu Hamza unequivocally rejected violence in all its forms and emphasized that his teachings have consistently promoted peace. Australian and New Zealand authorities are investigating the co-pilot's potential links to the country, while the Imami has called on relevant authorities to verify his claims before publishing such information.",
  "summary": "SYDNEY: A Melbourne imam whose Islamic community centre has been linked by prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates to the co-pilot who allegedly attacked the captain of a flydubai jet has said he “never met” the man and insisted he has “consistently preached peace.”",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Melbourne imam denies links to suspected flydubai hijacker",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/melbourne-imam-denies-links-to-suspected-flydubai-hijacker-14072050",
        "published": "2026-10-13T00:02:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Melbourne imam denies links to suspected flydubai hijacker",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/melbourne-imam-denies-links-to-suspected-flydubai-hijacker-14077492",
        "published": "2026-10-13T00:30:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "‘Never met him’: Melbourne imam rejects UAE claims linking Aussie centre to flydubai co-pilot",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/never-met-him-melbourne-imam-rejects-uae-claims-linking-aussie-centre",
        "published": "2026-10-13T00:45:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}