A Queensland PhD candidate has been accused of planning to throw Molotov cocktails into an Australia Day crowd as part of an alleged terrorist plot to overthrow the government and replace it with a “cybernetics” alternative, a court has heard.
Sepehr Saryazdi, 24, allegedly planned the attack for Monday’s celebrations to promote a new stage of civilization powered by artificial intelligence, a court heard on Thursday.
He has been accused of targeting a Gold Coast event after allegedly posting online that he would lead an Australia Day “riot” on the popular tourist strip.
Saryazdi appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday, hours after being charged with preparing or planning a terrorist act.
According to court documents, he allegedly purchased liquor bottles, wrapping paper and a blanket between January 4 and 9 in preparation for the attack.
Crown prosecutor Ellie MacDonald, opposing bail, told the court that Saryazdi had made “extremely worrying” comments in a Facebook chat.
“He said, ‘I will lead the Gold Coast riots on January 26,'” McDonald told the court.
“‘If you know people in Melbourne let them know so they can start buying vodka bottles early and stock up on batches.'”
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The court heard that Saryazdi reportedly said he expected to die during the Gold Coast attack unless he was killed or his leg was amputated by the Australian spy agency, Asio.
He reportedly said that his actions were “completely logical given the dynamics of this nation”.
“I recommend that you learn to use a gun at a shooting range while you can,” the court said on Facebook during the hearing.
Saryazdi reportedly told police that he sees the government as “becoming tyrannical” and wants to replace it with a “cybernetics” alternative where society is guided by AI and data analysis.
He reportedly had a document titled “Australia’s Future Cybernetics Government the Next Stage of Civilization”.
According to his online profile, Saryazdi holds a Master of Mathematical Sciences from the University of Sydney.
He also described himself as a PhD candidate with the CSIRO Data and Digital Specialist Branch and the Australian Center for Robotics.
According to his legal aid lawyer, Helen Shilton, Saryazdi’s intention was to make national news and draw public attention to his disillusionment with the government.
He told the court he had a very isolated lifestyle and had lost contact with his parents after moving interstate to Brisbane.
“He was a little influenced by the new people he connected with. He was watching videos of the protests,” Shilton said.
“He admits that he was quite emotionally overwhelmed. He felt he had to do something about the way the world was going… He never intended to hurt anyone.”
Her lawyer told the court that while allegedly purchasing liquor and other items, reality started setting in and she made unwise choices regarding her cause.
“He has never participated in any protests; he is clearly delusional,” Shilton said.
Magistrate Penelope Hay said Saryazdi’s arguments for bail did not match his statements to police.
“Contrary to his admission that his intention was to throw a Molotov cocktail in a public place on Australia Day and overthrow the government?” He said.
Hay refused to grant Saryazdi bail due to the apparent strength of the prosecution case and his alleged serious connection to violent crime.
He was remanded in custody and will face court again on February 20.
