Law & Justice
Melbourne Islamic Centre Founder Denies Links to flydubai Co‑Pilot Attack
A Melbourne Islamic community centre founder, Samir Mohtadi, has denied any connection to the Omani co‑pilot who allegedly attacked a flydubai captain. The co‑pilot, identified as Hamam al‑Hammami, is in custody in the United Arab Emirates and prosecutors say he was inspired by Al‑Qaeda’s 9/11 attacks and sought to cause maximum loss of life. The Emirati prosecutor stated that al‑Hammami became radicalised while studying in Australia, reading extremist literature and following online content praising terrorist organisations and suicide attacks. He was reportedly acquainted with an organisation called “MyCentre,” managed by a Lebanese man named Abu Hamza, but neither the centre nor Abu Hamza are accused of wrongdoing. In a four‑minute video posted on MyCentre’s Facebook page, Mohtadi, who is also known as Abu Hamza, rejected the accusations, saying he “strongly rejects” any attempt to associate him or the centre with the alleged attacker. He urged authorities to verify claims before publishing and emphasised that he has consistently preached peace, harmony, mutual respect and community wellbeing. He stated that the centre has always focused on promoting peace and that it unequivocally rejects violence in all forms. The alleged attack occurred on September 30 during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, when the suspect used an emergency axe to attack the plane’s Indian captain, Smit Machchhar. The captain fought back and tried to call for help. Another pilot on the return flight noticed the cockpit door opening and closing repeatedly and, with the help of a cabin crew member and several passengers, rescued the injured captain and restrained the suspect. Australian and New Zealand police and intelligence services are still investigating the suspect’s links to both countries, where he allegedly spent time as a student and completed some flight training, according to Radio New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Samir Mohtadi?
He is the founder of the Melbourne Islamic Centre and denies any connection to the flydubai co‑pilot attack.
What happened during the flydubai flight?
On September 30, co‑pilot Hamam al‑Hammami used an emergency axe to attack the Indian captain Smit Machchhar during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
What did the Emirati prosecutor say about Hamam al‑Hammami?
The prosecutor said al‑Hammami became radicalised while studying in Australia, reading extremist literature and following online content praising terrorist organisations and suicide attacks.