Family of convicted terrorist released in Melbourne say he's 'no longer a risk'
The family of Abdul Nacer Benbrika have insisted he is no longer a risk to the community after the convicted terrorist was released from prison yesterday.
Benbrika woke as a free man in a sleepy suburb in Melbourne's north today after spending almost two decades behind bars for his role in a failed terror plot.
The convicted criminal was driven out of Barwon Prison in a dark coloured ute last night, despite a desperate push at the highest levels of government to keep him locked up.
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The family of Abdul Nacer Benbrika insist he is no longer a risk to the community Supplied
The self-proclaimed sheikh was arrested in 2005 over a failed plot to bomb the MCG 2005 Grand Final, and was initially handed a 15-year prison sentence.
After completing his sentence in November 2020, the Federal Government fought to keep Benbrika in prison, which ultimately failed after a Victorian Supreme Court justice set him free.
Benbrika has now returned to his home in Dallas.
"He's definitely not (a risk to the community)," a family member told 9News.
"We're very happy to have him home.
"He wants to stay with his kids and grandkids, that's all we want.
"We just want peace and quiet."
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Benbrika was driven out of Barwon prison overnight. 9News
The Victorian Supreme Court granted Benbrika's release under a 12-month extended supervision order.
For the next year, he will need to comply with 30 strict conditions, including electric monitoring and he can't leave Victoria.
He is prohibited from contacting certain individuals, including people in prison and convicted terrorists.
Benbrika will continue to receive psychological treatment, will need permission from the police to start a job and cannot visit numerous public places.
He will be blocked from discussing terrorist activities publicly but can do so in his deradicalisation program.
Breaching conditions of the supervision order is a criminal offence and carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
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Benbrika was jailed for almost 20 years for his crimes. ABC
Deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley yesterday called his release unsafe.
"Benbrika is the worst of the worst," she said.
"This is a person who sought to harm Australians in the worst possible way.
"The government has ended the year by releasing a terrorist into the Australian community."
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