An individual is alleged to have targeted a Gold Coast event by announcing online plans to spearhead Australia Day “riots” in the bustling tourist area.
In Brisbane Magistrates Court today, Saryazdi sought bail after facing charges related to the preparation or planning of a terrorist act.
Court documents reveal that between January 4 and 9, he acquired alcohol, wrapping paper, and a blanket as part of his alleged attack preparations.
Crown prosecutor Ellie McDonald argued against granting bail, highlighting “extremely concerning” remarks he made in a Facebook conversation.
“He indicated, ‘I’ll be leading the Gold Coast riots on January 26,'” McDonald noted.
“He further suggested that people in Melbourne be informed to begin purchasing vodka bottles early and start stockpiling them,” she added.
Saryazdi allegedly said he expected to die during the Gold Coast attack unless he was killed or lobotomised by Australia’s spy agency ASIO.
He allegedly added that his actions were “purely logical given the trajectory of this nation”.
“I recommend learning how to shoot guns at shooting ranges while you can,” he allegedly said on Facebook.
Saryazdi allegedly told police he saw the government as “turning tyrannical” and wanted to replace it with a “cybernetics” alternative where society was guided by AI and data analysis.
He allegedly had a document titled “Australia’s future cybernetics government the next phase of civilisation”.
Saryazdi has a Master of Mathematical Sciences from the University of Sydney, according to his online profiles.
He also described himself as a PhD candidate with the CSIRO data and digital specialist arm and Australian Centre for Robotics.
Saryazdi intended to make national news and bring people together with attention to his disenchantment with the government, his Legal Aid solicitor Hellen Shilton said.
He had a very isolated lifestyle and lost contact with his parents since moving interstate to Brisbane, she said.
“He became influenced a bit by the new people he associated with. He was watching videos of protests,” Shilton said.
“He admits he became quite overwhelmed emotionally. He felt he should do something with the way the world was going … it was never his intention to hurt anyone.”
At the point of allegedly purchasing the alcohol and other items, reality started to sink in and he had made silly choices about his cause, his solicitor said.
“He has never taken part in any protests, he is obviously misguided,” Shilton said.
Saryazdi’s argument for bail appeared at odds with his statements to police, magistrate Penelope Hay said.
“Contrary to admissions he made that he intended to throw a Molotov cocktail in a public place on Australia Day and overthrow the government?” she said.
Hay denied Saryazdi bail due to the apparent strength of the prosecution case and his alleged serious link to violent offending.
He was remanded in custody and is due to face court again on February 20.
