Site seeks funds for Vic terror suspects

A Facebook page supporting five men accused of planning to flee Australia by boat to fight with Islamic State in Syria has asked its followers to help pay for their legal fees.

The five, who are all from Melbourne and include Islamic preacher Musa Cerantonio, were arrested near Cairns last Tuesday.

Over the weekend, they were charged with making preparations for incursions into foreign countries to engage in hostile activities.

The Brothers Behind Bars page, with more than 600 followers, has been set up to get donations for legal fees to "release them from the shackles of the unbelievers".

The men appeared before the Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday where Australian Federal Police (AFP) successfully applied for their extradition to Victoria.

The group is expected to appear before a Melbourne magistrate on Thursday.

"We need not emphasise on the importance of showing your support and solidarity to these brothers and their families," one post says.