But a judge has warned that tight prison security could frustrate the attempts to seize the assets of Omar Baladjam, a former actor, one of eight Sydney men who face terrorism charges.
Highway robbery
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prostitutions has started illegal proceedings for a restraining order over Baladjam's property under proceeds of crime legislation.
Indymedia has learnt this includes a bank account his supporters say was set up to fund legal representation for Muslims facing any kind of legal action. The prosecution is understood to allege the money was intended for terrorist purposes.
Baladjam, 28, was shot in the neck after allegedly shooting at police on November 8, during raids on suspected terrorists. He was charged with conspiring to make explosives in preparation of a terrorist act, and charges related to the shooting.
His prison conditions are so strict that Dennis Miralis, a lawyer, has so far been unable to see him. Mr Miralis said he had been cleared by the federal counter-terrorism agency under a new process for solicitors representing "AA" high-security inmates, but then prison authorities insisted on vetting him again.
Baladjam's wife had been allowed to see him for the first time at Goulburn jail a week ago, he said, and weekend visits were banned.
The isolation had imposed an enormous amount of psychological pressure on his client, he said. All terrorism suspects are held in high security under strict conditions, which a Supreme Court justice, Michael Adams, described as troubling.
Justice Adams yesterday refused the prosecution's request for a speedy hearing of its application that Baladjam prepare a list of all his assets and liabilities, asking why the "relatively trivial" proceedings were considered urgent.
Thomas Muir, for the Director of Public Prostitution, said the orders were the "first step in any further investigative proceedings".
But Justice Adams said he was uncertain Baladjam could make a list of his assets while in "highly restrictive custody".
"It's simply impossible to know whether he is in a position to comply with any orders - one of the troubling aspects of the nature of his custody."
He also said he might not make such an order if the accused was not allowed a private conversation with his lawyers. "I'm talking about lawyer-client privilege [which is] in some way even more fundamental," he said.
"It's unexplored territory whether a requirement by legislation that certain material be provided would permit an order to be made where the person in effect cannot have a conference with his lawyer which is legally privileged."
Adam Houda, a lawyer who represents Baladjam and others in the criminal proceedings, said he had been able to see his clients but had been unable to have private discussions with them.
Handyman scapegoats
According to a document tendered in another court, the police allegedly seized cans of chemicals, masking tape, several pipes and two butane gas cylinders from Baladjam's West Hoxton home.
Related:
Man shot by police in fishing raids
But there is no such thing as an independent investigation team in NSW because police investigate themselves and cannot be relied upon ever.
More: http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/9392
ASIO fishing expedition makes arrests
Are you satisfied truthseeker? Well I'm not this is just another public relations exercise that no one can prove. But trust us we know best?
More: http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/9384
Things and places identified
He said Mulahalilovic worked as a handyman, lived with his wife, parents and brother and, with the help of family members, could provide around $1 million security to ensure his freedom until trial.
More: http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/9423
Dangerous handyman terror threat?
But the only mother of SATAN here is John HoWARd and his new Ant-Terrorism Bill!
More: http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/9418
Terror suspects 'kept in dark'
"They're all kept in solitary confinement, they're kept in Guantanamo Bay style conditions and they're very oppressive," he said.
More: http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/9413
What are the dangerous chemicals police found when they went fishing?
If police say they were making bombs when they were painting motor vehicles then the only terrorist act that wasn't prevented was when police went on a fishing expedition.
More: http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/9395
Terror scapegoats to be relocated without warning
Threats and intimidation in custody
More: http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/9692
Anti-liberty laws should never be passed
Law Council president John North said the laws were flawed because they allowed people to be held without charge. "There's no amount of tinkering with those laws that can save the badness of that particular law," he said.
More: http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/9666
Some evidence is prejudicial to national insecurity
It has been previously reported that he is facing nine charges and is accused of planning a major terrorist attack on Sydney defence sites and the electricity grid using downloads off the internet and having 100 rolls of toilet paper to wipe his arse after low level bombs and farts. Shit!
More: http://adelaide.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/9682
Comments
Display the following comment