Men 'had terrorism handbook'

Herald Sun (Australia) ^ | Aug. 2, 2006 | Katie Lapthorne

[FairOpinion]

TERRORISM suspects hoarded computer how-to guides on making explosives and articles about al-Qaida, Osama bin Laden and jihad, a court heard yesterday.

Aimen Joud, 21, also had graphic video footage of the execution and decapitation of a man said to have come from Chechnya in 1998, Melbourne Magistrates' Court was told. Federal police found the manuals on terrorism and militant Islam when searching the homes of Mr Joud and Shane Kent, 29, in September 2004.

Sen-Constable Paul Madden told the court one handbook, known as the Vortex Cookbook, was later shown to the group's alleged spiritual leader, Abdul Nacer Benbrika.

A book titled A Terrorist's Handbook, a CIA field guide and an article headed "How Bin Laden made a fool out of America", were also found on Mr Joud's computer.

In a statement tendered in court, Sen-Constable Madden said the information focused on jihad and how it could be reinforced in the life of a Muslim.

The books had sections on explosives, sniper shooting and combat skills.

The Vortex Cookbook included chapters on home-made rocket launchers and "a guide to being sneaky and cautious".

Sen-Constable Madden said police recorded a conversation where they allege Abdullah Merhi, 21, is showing the Vortex Cookbook to Mr Benbrika, 46.

Mr Merhi says the book could help the group and Mr Benbrika says they need more information.

"Although there are parts which are inaudible it is clear the words 'kaffer' (non-believer) and 'explosion' are mentioned," Sen-Constable Madden said.

Lawyer Paul Marin, for Mr Joud, said people other than his client had access to the computer and some of the web pages appeared to have been saved by accident.

Forensic chemist John Kelleher had earlier told the court an examination of a burnt battery and spark plugs found during a search had not shown any trace of explosives.

Mr Benbrika, of Dallas, is accused of leading a group of 13 men to conduct jihad in Australia.

Mr Joud, of Hoppers Crossing, Mr Kent, of Meadow Heights, Mr Merhi, of Fawkner, Ahmed Raad, 23, of Fawkner, Izzydeen Atik, of Williamstown, Ezzit Raad, 24, of Preston, Amer Haddara, 26, of Yarraville, Fadal Sayadi, 26, of Coburg, Hany Taha, 31, of Hadfield, Shoue Hammoud, 26, of Hadfield, Bassam Raad, 24, of Brunswick, and Majed Raad, 22, of Coburg all face charges of being group members.

The preliminary hearing continues today.

[A CA Guy]

Babies are far more piousness, that is why I am asking.

[Cheapskate]

BK claims the Souther Pacific's are already very bad themselves

[A CA Guy]

poisonous... whoops.

[Cheapskate]

NP I knew what you meant.

[A CA Guy]

[A CA Guy]

I've killed a couple myself in the hills east of Whitter. On a hot day you have to watch every step you take.

They love to come out and lay on driveways, sidewalks and such.

Very very dangerous.

[Cheapskate]

I was out there trompin around a couple years ago.I kinda liked the desert.

[A CA Guy]

We had a great 80 degrees today and it rained on me while I played tennis at 8am...

We had 113.6 last week and when it gets over 82 you have to really look where you walk for snakes in the hills.

[Cheapskate]

We had a pretty decent line of storms come through Peoria last night and it was a lot cooler today.

[A CA Guy]

I'm loving this weather.

Have windows open, will sleep with a hunter fan blowing air over the bed.

I have my spoiled midget dog on a couch behind me also under a fan with a big smile on it's face.
Even the dog is loving this weather.

[Cheapskate]

My screens are shot, so the AC is still on here.

[A CA Guy]

You can replace the screens cheap with stuff from Home Depot. About $5 for two windows.

[Cheapskate]

Yeah , I know!

[A CA Guy]

Good night.

I had AC on two nights ago with only 79 out at night.
It was the humidity, unbearable.

[Cheapskate]

Sleep tight catch ya around!

[jwalburg]

Thanks