Melbourne-born alleged Islamic State terrorist Neil Prakash has appeared in a Darwin court after being deported from Turkey to face six terrorism charges.
The 31-year-old former rapper allegedly joined and supported Islamic State in 2014, and is also accused of travelling to Syria and undertaking hostile acts in 2016.
Prakash could face a life sentence if found guilty.Northern Territory Local Court Chief Judge Elizabeth Morris granted an extradition order to transfer Prakash from the NT to Victoria on or before December 9.
He will remain in custody in Darwin until AFP and Victorian Police officers jointly take him into custody and escort him to Melbourne.
Once there, he is expected to be charged by the Australian Federal Police Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team with a range of serious terrorism offences.
Prakash, who appeared via video link from the Palmerston watch house, was handcuffed throughout the hearing.
He declined legal representation and remained silent when Judge Morris asked him to confirm his identity.
Victorian detective senior constable Andrew Gibney told the court Parkash had been identified by distinct scars and a tattoo on his chest.
Early today he arrived by plane from Turkey to Darwin, where he was arrested by the Australian Federal Police.
Prakash has been described as the “most important and the most dangerous” Australian member of Islamic State.
The jihadist appeared in several videos trying to recruit fellow Australians to the IS fight, as well as fighting himself for the terrorist organisation overseas.
Prakash has also been implicated in at least two terror plots on Australian soil, including the Anzac Day plot to behead a Melbourne police officer.
The former Coalition government tried to have Prakash’s Australian citizenship cancelled, but that was effectively overturned by the High Court.
