A leader from a Melbourne Islamic center, allegedly linked to a suspect in a Flydubai hijacking case, has released a video promoting the virtues of silence without commenting on accusations from prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Hamad Saif al-Shamsi, the UAE's attorney general, stated that the 29-year-old suspect's ideological shift towards extremism began while he was studying at RMIT University in Melbourne in 2017. The co-pilot, Omani national Hammam al-Hammami, reportedly attended a mosque affiliated with RMIT and connected with individuals linked to a center called “MyCentre,” managed by a person known as “Abu Hamza.” However, there was no claim that anyone at the center was involved in radicalizing al-Hammami or had any knowledge of his intentions prior to the September 30 flight.
On Sunday, MyCentre’s leader, Samir Mohtadi, who is also referred to as Abu Hamza, appeared in a video on the center’s Facebook page. He discussed Islamic teachings on the merits of remaining silent when under attack but did not address the alleged hijack attempt, the UAE attorney general's statement, or al-Hammami.
In the video, Mohtadi stated, “You’ll find those who are righteous have often been attacked, abused, accused, killed, imprisoned, and this is the way it is.” He referenced the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who faced criticism but chose silence and fasting from speaking. Mohtadi suggested that in some situations, it is best not to respond, especially when others are fixed in their beliefs.
RMIT confirmed that al-Hammami had studied engineering there but left Australia before completing his degree. He later trained as a commercial pilot in New Zealand. Passengers and crew intervened to thwart the alleged hijack attempt on September 30, which involved 182 people on board. The UAE attorney general described it as a premeditated terrorist plot. Al-Hammami reportedly told prosecutors he was inspired by the 9/11 attacks and had mentally and physically prepared for the plot, including training in boxing.
Following these revelations, Australian security agencies began investigating al-Hammami's time in the country, with New Zealand authorities examining his stay between November 2018 and May 2019. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that al-Hammami was allegedly radicalized online and emphasized the need for better screening at borders and in online environments.
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