Sepehr Saryazdi is a 24-year-old PhD candidate who appeared in a Brisbane court after being accused of planning a terrorist act linked to Australia Day celebrations on the Gold Coast.
Mr Saryazdi previously worked with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, and was denied bail after prosecutors alleged he had taken concrete steps toward organising violent unrest involving Molotov cocktails.
The case has drawn national attention and centres on accusations that Mr Saryazdi used private online messaging groups to encourage others to prepare for riots and violent confrontation with authorities.
During a hearing at the Brisbane Magistrates Court, prosecutors said counter-terrorism officers became aware of Mr Saryazdi after intelligence was received about posts he was allegedly sharing online. These messages were said to have been circulated within a private Facebook Messenger group containing more than 50 members.
The court heard the alleged plans included purchasing materials to make incendiary devices and encouraging others to stockpile bottles and supplies ahead of January 26. Prosecutors said Mr Saryazdi claimed he intended to “lead” riots on the Gold Coast and urged people in other cities to take similar action.
According to the prosecution, he also allegedly advised group members on how to behave if arrested, telling them to remain calm during police questioning and to justify their actions as a logical response to the nation’s political direction.
Additional messages presented to the court suggested Mr Saryazdi expressed a willingness to die for his beliefs, outlining what he described as personal “wishes” for Australian society in the event of his death. Prosecutors also alleged he made statements about overthrowing the government and expressed fears about intelligence agencies.
The court heard further claims that Mr Saryazdi encouraged others to learn how to use firearms legally at shooting ranges and to apply for roles within intelligence and defence organisations in order to carry out what he described as internal operations.
Opposing bail, prosecutors argued Mr Saryazdi posed a significant risk of committing violence if released. They said there were no conditions that could adequately mitigate that risk, given the nature of the alleged preparations and statements.
Defence lawyers told the court Mr Saryazdi was an academic who had relocated from Sydney to Brisbane for work and became socially isolated. His legal team said he developed a strong interest in geopolitics and global protest movements and became emotionally overwhelmed.
The defence argued it was never his intention to hurt anyone, claiming his goal was to attract national attention and bring people together amid growing disenchantment with government.
The magistrate rejected the bail application, finding the risk of serious injury to multiple people was too significant. Mr Saryazdi was remanded in custody and is expected to return to court next month. The allegations remain before the courts and have not yet been tested at trial.
This case was reported by ABC News.
