Melbourne man ‘strongly rejects’ links to flydubai attack suspect

Melbourne man Samir Mohtadi, also known as Abu Hamza, has "strongly rejected" accusations linking him and his Islamic centre, "MyCentre," to the co-pilot who allegedly attacked the captain of a flydubai jet. The United Arab Emirates prosecutor claims the co-pilot was radicalized in Australia and acquainted with "MyCentre" and Abu Hamza. While neither the centre nor Abu Hamza are accused of wrongdoing, Mohtadi stated in a social media video and a separate statement that he rejects any association with the alleged attacker. The co-pilot is in custody in the UAE and is accused of drawing inspiration from Al-Qaeda for his actions.

Melbourne Islamic leader Samir Mohtadi, also known as Abu Hamza, released a video on his center's Facebook page discussing the virtues of silence, without directly addressing accusations from the UAE attorney general. The attorney general stated that the accused Flydubai hijacker, Hammam al-Hammami, allegedly indicated his radicalization began while studying at RMIT University in Melbourne and that he frequented a mosque affiliated with RMIT, becoming acquainted with people associated with "MyCentre," managed by "Abu Hamza." The article clarifies there is no allegation that anyone at the center was involved in radicalizing al-Hammami or had prior knowledge of his intentions. Al-Hammami allegedly told prosecutors he was inspired by the 9/11 attacks and planned a similar operation. Australian and New Zealand authorities are investigating the hijacker's time in their countries.