A Melbourne man whose Islamic community center has been associated by United Arab Emirates prosecutors with the co-pilot suspected in a recent airline incident has publicly rejected what he describes as unfounded allegations.
The Omani co-pilot, currently detained in the UAE, is alleged to have drawn inspiration from the September 11, 2001 attacks and attempted an act aimed at maximizing casualties, according to findings released by the Emirati prosecutor through state media last week.
The prosecutor claims the suspect began radicalizing during his studies in Australia after consuming extremist material and online content glorifying terrorism and martyrdom operations.
Furthermore, the prosecutor alleged that while in Australia, the individual became acquainted with an organization called “My Centre” led by a Lebanese national named Abu Hamza.
However, neither “My Centre” nor Abu Hamza have been charged with any criminal activity in connection with these allegations.
In a recorded statement shared on social media, Abu Hamza — also identified as Samir Mohtadi by local outlets — dismissed the accusations as baseless.
“Throughout history… those who are righteous have consistently faced hostility, abuse, slander, violence, and imprisonment — and that is simply how things unfold,” he stated.
“Sometimes silence is the wisest choice,” he added.
“They will persist in accusing you… making false accusations.”
He did not directly address the specific claims made by the UAE prosecutor regarding his center or personal ties to the suspect.
The incident occurred during a September 30 flight from Dubai bound for Tel Aviv, when the suspect reportedly used an emergency axe to assault the aircraft’s Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, who managed to resist and signal for assistance.
A fellow pilot assigned to the return journey, who was present on board, observed unusual patterns in the cockpit door’s movement.
Upon entering the cockpit, he intervened alongside a flight attendant and multiple passengers, ultimately freeing the wounded captain and restraining the assailant.
The rescue team safely diverted the aircraft to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where emergency personnel took control of the situation.
Australian law enforcement and intelligence agencies are reportedly reviewing information related to the suspect’s connections to Australia.
New Zealand authorities confirmed earlier last week that the individual had resided in the country on a six-month student visa, during which he pursued part of his pilot training, as reported by Radio New Zealand.
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