Terror accused spoke of 'maximum damage'
Reko Rennie
February 22, 2008 - 1:31PM
The alleged leader of a terrorist organisation told a co-accused and two other men "if they wanted to die they must do maximum damage", a Crown prosecutor told a Supreme Court jury today.
Crown Prosecutor Richard Maidment, SC, read a transcript from a conversation from a listening device involving alleged spiritual leader Abdul Nacer Benbrika, 47, of Dallas, Aimen Joud, 22, of Hoppers Crossing and two other men.
Mr Maidment said Benbrika told the men the best thing for them was to be prepared.
"Everyone must be prepared," Benbrika said.
"If we want to die ... we do maximum damage ... that's what we are waiting for," Benbrika allegedly said.
Mr Maidment said Benbrika warned the men to be careful and not trust anyone.
Earlier today the court heard Benbrika had a 1600-page document allegedly called the "Guide to the Mujaheed".
Mr Maidment told the court Benbrika wanted to make several copies of the book to take on a trip with the 12 co-accused to Ocean Grove.
"The Crown says the 1600-page book will be the subject of Benbrika teaching on the proposed trip," Mr Maidment said.
Mr Maidment told the court in another recorded conversation between Benbrika and an unidentified man, Benbrika called the book "beautiful".
"This is a good and dangerous book," Benbrika allegedly said.
"It's about killing," Benbrika said.
The 12 men, Fadal Sayadi, 27 of Coburg, Ahmed Raad, 24, of Fawkner, Aimen Joud, 22, of Hoppers Crossing, Abdullah Merhi, 22, of Fawkner, Amer Haddara, 27, of Yarraville, Shane Kent, 30, of Meadow Heights, Majed Raad, 23, of Coburg, Hany Taha, 32, of Hadfield, Shoue Hammoud, 27, of Hadfield, Bassam Raad, 25, of Brunswick and Ezzit Raad, 25, of Preston are all facing various terrorism-related charges.
Abdul Nacer Benbrika, 47, of Dallas, is also charged with directing the group's activities and possessing a compact disc knowingly related to the planning for a terrorist act.
The trial before Justice Bernard Bongiorno is adjourned until Monday next week.
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