Australian Jihad Update. “Lodhi ‘planned power grid bombings,'” from AAP, with thanks to all who sent this in:
A SYDNEY man plotted to bomb Sydney’s electricity grid and various defence sites in “violent jihad”, a New South Wales Supreme Court jury has been told.
Faheem Khalid Lodhi, 36, today pleaded not guilty to four counts of preparing to commit a terrorist act between October 3 and 26, 2003.
In reading the indictment against Lodhi, Justice Anthony Whealy said it was alleged he had collected two maps of Australia’s electricity grid with the intention of seriously damaging it by detonating an explosive or incendiary device.
He did this with “the intent of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause, namely violent jihad,” the indictment says.
Lodhi allegedly sought information on the availability of materials used to manufacture explosives and also created a set of aerial photographs of certain Australian defence establishments with the intention of detonating an explosive device.
The court was told he also allegedly possessed documents containing information relating to the ingredients and method of manufacture of poisons, explosives and detonators, as well as intelligence in connection with a terrorist act.