Arabic version: ولد في كوينزلاند، 13 عامًا، متهم بجرائم متطرفة عنيفة

A 13-year-old boy has been charged with violent extremist offences after being arrested in Maryborough, Queensland. Police say a seized electronic device allegedly showed threats of violence that he intended to carry out at a local school.

According to ABC News, the boy was taken into custody on May 28 after police responded to reports of a person armed with a knife at a business on Saltwater Creek Road. He faces several charges, including attempting to enter premises with intent, going armed so as to cause fear, and making threats.

Following further investigations, detectives from the Counter Terrorism Investigation Group searched a Maryborough home on Saturday and seized an electronic device. Police said he was later charged with one count each of preparation or planning to cause death or grievous bodily harm and possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained or accessed using a carriage of service.

Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Hindmarsh stated that the boy had made significant progress in his planning but emphasized that it was too early to determine if there was any ideological, religious, or political motivation behind his actions. The boy remains in custody and is due to appear in the Hervey Bay Children’s Court on Friday. Police assured the public that there is no ongoing threat.