Overview
- Magistrate Penelope Hay refused bail in Brisbane, remanding Sepehr Saryazdi in custody with the case due back in court on February 20.
- Prosecutors allege he planned to lead Gold Coast riots on January 26 and had purchased supplies for Molotov cocktails, urging others to stockpile bottles.
- The court heard messages from a private Facebook Messenger group of roughly 50 people that included advice to learn to shoot and to seek ASIO or Defence roles to begin internal operations.
- Court documents cited purchases between January 4 and 9, including alcohol bottles, wrapping paper and a blanket, as alleged preparation.
- His lawyer said he was isolated, emotionally overwhelmed and never intended to hurt anyone, while Queensland Police said there is no known ongoing direct threat to the community.