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Pendennis Trial

Media Release - Pendennis Trial

Victorian Muslims’ peak representative body has today expressed its confidence in the legal system after the Victorian Supreme Court convicted six Melbourne men on terrorism charges and acquitted four.

Ramzi Elsayed, President of Islamic Council of Victoria said "We respect the legal process that has produced these results, and note in particular the efforts of the court to ensure the fairness and impartially of the trial and the decisions reached by the jury.

"We said at the time of the arrests that our only concern was that the trial was fair, and justice was done, whatever the outcome. Obviously we've only been observing from a distance, but we've seen nothing of grave concern at this stage. Obviously if there was anything of concern, it's up to the convicted to appeal.''

"The fact that four were acquitted suggests that the jury decided the case on the evidence. Justice Bongiorno made clear to the jury that Islam was not on trial, and they seem to have listened. We also appreciate that his Honour ensured the accused were treated with a level of humanity and dignity afforded to other remand prisoners. This is how we should be responding to terrorism: through non-political judicial processes."

Commenting on the legislation that was used to bring the accused to trial Mr Elsayed said: "We have long expressed our concern with recently introduced anti-terrorism legislation, and those concerns still remain. We hope, however, that this trial will serve to clarify definitions and refine its application."

Mr Elsayed also said that the fight against terrorism was a broad task.

"Ultimately, it's not just about laws and convictions. It's about increasing social harmony, breaking down mutual hostility, ignorance and fear. The ICV will continue to work hard on these deeper social issues because we regard this as fundamentally important."

Mr Elsayed also asked everyone to respect the rights of the families of the convicted. "Obviously, it's a difficult time for the families who will be profoundly shocked. We request that the media respect their privacy in these very hard circumstances."

As there are future charges pending against some of the accused, the ICV has also decided it would be inappropriate to provide further comment on the legal aspects of the trial at this stage.

For further information, contact Malcolm Thomas at ICV on 9328 2067
15.09.2008