PhD Student Accused of Australia Day Terror Plot Was Aspiring Actor
A 24-year-old PhD student accused of plotting a terror attack on Australia Day in Queensland is revealed to have been an aspiring actor who once secured a role in a Hungry Jack's television commercial. Sepehr Saryazdi allegedly planned the attack for Monday's celebrations to advocate for a new phase of civilisation powered by artificial intelligence.
Alleged Plot and Online Activity
Court documents indicate that Saryazdi is accused of targeting a Gold Coast event, with online posts where he claimed he would be leading Australia Day 'riots' on the popular tourist strip. Between January 4 and 9, he purchased bottles of alcohol, wrapping paper, and a blanket in preparation for the attack, according to the prosecution.
Crown prosecutor Ellie McDonald opposed bail, citing 'extremely concerning' comments in a Facebook chat. She told the court that Saryazdi stated, 'I'll be leading the Gold Coast riots on January 26'. In one message, he allegedly advised others to stockpile vodka bottles early and remain calm if arrested.
Background and Motivations
Sepehr Saryazdi holds a Master of Mathematical Sciences from the University of Sydney and described himself as a PhD candidate with the CSIRO data and digital specialist arm and Australian Centre for Robotics. His online profiles note his work on robotic perception for real-time navigation in complex environments.
Acquaintances described Saryazdi as a quiet individual who could be unusually forward in attempting to develop friendships, sometimes making others feel uneasy. He was reportedly sending messages to Instagram friends as recently as last Thursday, promoting a 'Stop Banning Free Speech Convoy to Canberra' event.
In police interviews, Saryazdi allegedly expressed that he saw the government as 'turning tyrannical' and aimed to replace it with a 'cybernetics' alternative guided by AI and data analysis. He reportedly had a document titled 'Australia's future cybernetics government the next phase of civilization'.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Denial
Legal Aid solicitor Hellen Shilton argued that Saryazdi intended to make national news and draw attention to his disenchantment with the government, without intending to hurt anyone. She noted his isolated lifestyle and loss of contact with his parents since moving to Brisbane, attributing his actions to being influenced by new associates and protest videos.
However, magistrate Penelope Hay denied bail, citing the apparent strength of the prosecution case and Saryazdi's alleged serious link to violent offending. The court heard that he allegedly expected to die during the attack unless killed or lobotomised by ASIO, and encouraged group members to learn firearm use and apply for jobs at ASIO or the Australian Defence Force.
Saryazdi was remanded in custody and is scheduled to face court again on February 20, as the legal process continues to unfold.
