Former University of WA researcher Abdussalam Adina-Zada charged with inciting terrorist attacks after raids

A former University of WA researcher has been accused of inciting terrorism in a former Soviet Republic that borders Afghanistan. Abdussalam Adina-Zada was arrested by Australian Federal Police Officers on Tuesday following a 10-month investigation into allegations he was participating in an “online video-sharing platform account hosting content that called for acts of politically-motivated violence offshore”. The 52-year-old was refused bail in Perth Magistrate’s Court today charged with four counts of advocating terrorism. Police will allege Abdussalam Adina-Zada called for acts of politically-motivated violence in Tajikistan. Once part of the Soviet Union, Tajikistan is a land-locked country in central Asia, sandwiched between Afghanistan and China. Mr Adina-Zada claims on his Linkedin profile that he is a biochemist who worked at UWA as a research associate. It is understood he worked there more than a decade ago. “Abdussalam Adina-Zada does not have an existing affiliation with UWA,” a university spokesperson said. He also has links to a cleaning business based in Maylands. Officers from the Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team started their investigation in February and raided Mr Adina-Zada’s home in April. During a search of his property and a car number of electronic devices were seized. Advocating terrorism overseas carries a maximum five year jail term. Mr Adina-Zada did not apply for bail and will reappear on January 15. WA Police Commander Pryce Scanlan said while the alleged threats related to another country authorities needed to be vigilant. “Online content advocating for terrorist acts to be carried out has the potential to reach people anywhere in the world, including our local communities, and it is critical we identify and prosecute those responsible for such incitement,” he said. “We have seen the devastating impacts that such online radicalisation and incitement can result in, and everyone in the community can play a critical role in keeping our community safe by reporting concerns about online material, or individuals, to authorities.” Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Scott Lee said extremist ideology that incited violence — in Australia or overseas — was a criminal offence. “The AFP and our partner agencies, through the Joint Counter Terrorism Team will arrest and charge Australian-based individuals allegedly involved in engaging in violent, extremist ideologies,” he said. “In this instance, it is alleged the individual was intending to incite politically motivated acts in a foreign country. “I commend our investigators for the hundreds of hours spent diligently gathering and examining evidence to put this matter before the courts.” WA Police Commander Pryce Scanlan said the arrest reinforced the need for people across Australia to remain vigilant. “Online content advocating for terrorist acts to be carried out has the potential to reach people anywhere in the world, including our local communities, and it is critical we identify and prosecute those responsible for such incitement,” he said. “It is also just as important that our investigations and operations prevent those people in our community who are vulnerable to radicalisation from being exposed to such material. “We have seen the devastating impacts that such online radicalisation and incitement can result in, and everyone in the community can play a critical role in keeping our community safe by reporting concerns about online material, or individuals, to authorities.”