The Islamic Council of Victoria is yet to offer assistance to the 17-year-old arrested and charged with terrorism offences last week.
Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) secretary Seyfi Seyit said he hadn’t been party to any discussions about whether the council would offer to mentor or visit the northern suburbs’ teenager remanded on two terrorism charges.
“At a rudimentary level, we have to be there in terms of support but it’s just too early. We’re just not sure what form of help that will be,” Mr Seyit said.
The northern suburbs teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared briefly before a children’s court last week.
He has been charged with one court of engaging in an act in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act. He is also charged with one court of possessing things connecting to a terrorism act. None of his family was in court.
A spokesperson for a northern suburbs cultural association said the organisation would help “in any way, with open hands and hearts.”
In April, in a separate case, 18-year-old Harun Causevic was arrested with four others during a counter-terrorism operation and charged with conspiracy to prepare for or plan a terrorism act.
ICV president Ghaith Krayem later told a court he was prepared to have daily contact with Causevic if he was released, and would organise mental health professionals to assist him.
Star Weekly’s attempts to contact Mr Krayem for comment last week went unanswered.
