Australian Cricketer Usman Khawaja’s brother has been arrested by the anti-terrorism investigators.
However, Arsalan Khawaja faces no terrorism charges. The Australian media has reported the arrest in Sydney over an alleged fake terrorism plot. Arsakan, 39, elder brother of Usman, is accused of trying to set up his former university mate Mohammed Kamer Nizamdeen of Sri Lankan origin by allegedly convincing the police that the latter was part of a terror cartel that was trying to kill the then Prime Minister Malcolm Turbull.
The 39-year-old was arrested in west of Sydney early morning today (Tuesday).
Arsalan has been charged with forgery and attempt to pervert justice. The charges are related to the discovery of a notebook, which contained concocted plans to carry out terror attacks in Australia. It is reported that Arsalan had attempted the forgery over a jealous dispute involving a female.
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“I won’t be saying much guys. It is a matter for police to deal with. Out of respect for the process it’d be inappropriate for me to make any further comment. I just ask you to please respect my privacy and my family’s privacy during this time,” Arsalan said from Police custody.
Investigators had earlier wrongfully arrested Arsalan’s colleague Mohamed Nizamdeen for the alleged terrorism plot on August 30 after a handwritten book, found at the University of New South Wales, allegedly outlined plans for a series of attacks on high profile targets like then Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and several major landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House.
However, the investigators on further investigation were forced to drop the charges again Nizamdeen, who now reportedly is filing a case against the Police. The police authorities have reportedly confirmed that they had paid his legal costs but would not comment on any further possible compensation.
“We regret the circumstances which led to him being charged and the time he subsequently spent in custody,” Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing told a press conference.
“We feel very sorry for him and what happened to him.”
