Lebanese Accused of Terror Freed on Bail in Australia
A former Qantas cabin cleaner due to face a retrial over a do-it-yourself jihad manual was released on bail in Australia Thursday, walking free for the first time in almost three years.
Lebanese-born Belal Khazaal was bailed on strict conditions ahead of a November retrial for knowingly making a document connected with assistance in a terrorist act -- a charge on which he was convicted in September 2008.
A Supreme Court jury found Khazaal, 42, guilty of producing a 110-page manual titled "Provisions of the Rules of Jihad: Short Judicial Rulings and Organizational Instructions for Fighters and Mujahideen Against Infidels.”
He was originally jailed for 12 years, of which he had to serve at least nine. But he had his conviction quashed by an appeals court last month -- the reasons for which were suppressed -- and a retrial ordered.
Khazaal was released from Goulburn's "Supermax" prison -- Australia's highest-security facility -- on Thursday after winning bail.
Judge Michael Adams ruled that he was not a danger to the community or a flight risk, and he released him into the care of his brother-in-law on a Aus$400,000 (US$430,000) surety.
Khazaal was ordered to report daily to police, detail all visitors he receives, steer clear of overseas departure points and gatherings that advocate or promote the adoption of violence, and not use public phones.
His barrister, Charles Waterstreet, said the conditions in Supermax were "one level lower than in Guantanamo Bay," referring to the notorious U.S.-run facility in Cuba used in the wake of the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan.
"We are very happy Belal is coming out. We can prepare for the trial," Waterstreet said outside court.
"He has been away from his family for two-and-a-half years."
Source: Agence France Presse
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