Melbourne Imam Rejects Alleged Connection to Suspected Flydubai Co-pilot

A Melbourne imam whose Islamic community centre has been linked by prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates to the co-pilot who allegedly attacked the captain of a flydubai jet has said he “never met” the man and insisted he has “consistently preached peace”.

The Omani co-pilot, currently in custody in the UAE, drew inspiration from Al-Qaeda’s September 11, 2001 suicide attacks and executed the attempt “with the aim of causing the greatest possible loss of life”, according to the Emirati prosecutor’s findings published by state media last week.

Prosecutors allege the co-pilot first became radicalised while studying in Australia through exposure to extremist literature and online content glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide bombings.

The filing further claims he was acquainted in Australia with an organisation known as “My Centre”, which is managed by a Lebanese man called Abu Hamza.

Neither “My Centre” nor Abu Hamza have been accused of any criminal wrongdoing.

In a statement posted on social media late on Monday, Abu Hamza, also identified by local media as Samir Mohtadi, said he had “never met” the co-pilot, reported as Hamam al-Hammami.

“We have no record of him ever attending our centre,” he said.

“The relevant authorities should have verified these claims with me before releasing or publishing such information,” he added.

He maintained that he had “consistently preached peace” throughout his life.

“We unequivocally reject violence in all its forms.”

Police and intelligence services in Australia have stated they are investigating the co-pilot’s links to the country.

Separately, New Zealand police indicated last week that he had spent time in the country on a six-month student visa, where he completed part of his flight training, national broadcaster RNZ reported.

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