One of two Melbourne brothers charged with terrorism offences was a member of Islamic State and a likely danger to the community, a court has been told.
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Aran Sherani, 21, is facing a committal hearing via videolink alongside his brother Ari Sherani, aged 20.
They were arrested in counter-terrorism raids in Melbourne last March, and have both been charged with attempting to engage in a terrorist act over an incident at Humevale last year.
Detective Owen Matthews gave evidence that he and other counter-terrorism police were briefed that the older brother, Aran Sherani, was going to travel to a conflict zone and was potentially a danger to the community if he was unable to do so.
Under cross-examination, Det Matthews said threats been made against members of the public and against an Islamic leader, but conceded he did not know what those threats consisted of.
He testified that counter-terrorism operational command had decided the danger posed by Aran Sherani had reached a "sufficient threshold" in March 2021, and during a surveillance operation he was instructed to arrest the 21 year old as he left his house in Melbourne's north.
Aran Sherani had also bought a pair of knuckledusters and a hunting knife, according to Det Matthews, although police did not find these when they searched his house.
He disagreed with assertions made by the defence, that he did not actually believe Aran Sherani posed any danger.
"I received instructions ... I trusted the people back at the office were making the correct decision," Det Matthews said.
Court documents reveal Aran Sherani is also accused of knowingly being a member of terrorist organisation ISIS, buying a knife at Epping in preparation for a terrorist attack and intentionally causing injury.
The hearing continues in Melbourne Magistrate Court.
Australian Associated Press
