FED:Govt wins right to secret evidence in terrorism case

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2004
FED:Govt wins right to secret evidence in terrorism case

The federal government has won the right to have some evidence in the case against
an alleged terrorist heard in secret.

FAHEEM KHALID LODHI is facing a committal hearing in Sydney's Central Local Court on
nine charges of conspiring to commit terrorist acts between May and October last year.

The 34-year-old former architect from Punchbowl in Sydney's west is alleged to have
made plans to bomb Sydney's electricity grid and various military sites.

He's also alleged to have been linked to French terrorist suspect WILLY BRIGITTE.

Barrister DAUID SIBTAIN, appearing for four major media organisations, told the court
that the principles of open justice and freedom of communication should override the perceived
threat to the public interest.

But commonwealth solicitor TOM HOWE has argued the public interest should allow for
certain evidence to be heard in closed court.

Magistrate MICHAEL PRICE granted the application, saying that suppressing some of the
evidence won't disadvantage the case.

The six-day committal hearing's due to finish next Tuesday.

AAP RTV ajc/nf/wz/lm/as

KEYWORD: LODHI (SYDNEY)

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