AI
Sunday, December 14, 2014 9:56:15 PM
Sydney siege: Hostages held in central cafe
.. suggestion one was arrested in the street outside, but no mention of that on tv .. also that the target
was not the cafe, there was interruption on the street so the cafe became it .. most all is speculation now ..
14 December 2014 Last updated at 21:19 ET
VIDEO - Armed police have sealed off Martin Place in central Sydney
Related Stories
Australian recruits 'used' by IS - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30389736
Australians banned from IS 'capital' - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30324217
Who are Australia's radicalised Muslims? - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29249462
Several people have been taken hostage by at least one armed man at a Lindt cafe in the centre of Sydney.
Hundreds of armed police have sealed off the normally busy Martin Place in Sydney's central business district.
Pictures on Australian television have shown at least three people with their hands up against a window, and a black flag with Arabic writing.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described the incident as "deeply concerning".
He said it was not yet clear who was behind the incident or what their motives were, but said law enforcement agencies were well-equipped to respond.
In a brief news conference, he said the National Security Committee had been briefed, and urged Australians to go about their lives but to be alert.
"I can think of almost nothing more distressing, more terrifying than to be caught up in such a situation, and our hearts go out to these people," he said.
Streets have been closed around the building and people moved out of the area
New South Wales Police said in a statement .. https://www.facebook.com/nswpoliceforce?rf=105636842804324 .. that an "armed incident" was under way, and that "specialist officers are attempting to make contact with those inside a cafe".
The police said nearby offices had been evacuated as a precaution and asked people to remain indoors and way from open windows.
Many people were arriving at work as the area was shut down
__________________________________________________
At the scene: Wendy Frew, BBC Australia Editor Online
Colleagues of people inside the building are waiting outside for new
Martin Place is a public pedestrian thoroughfare through the heart of Sydney, joining its parliamentary, legal and retail districts.
It is full of media, members of the public and the police, with what appear to be anxious colleagues of people trapped inside the building, waiting for news. Several surrounding blocks are cordoned off.
Police are at this stage not giving media briefings at the site - dozens of police cars have arrived at the scene, with more continuing to come.
__________________________________________________
The incident began as people were arriving for work in Martin Place on Monday morning.
There is a heavy police presence in the heart of Sydney
Witnesses saw a man with a bag and gun walk into the Lindt chocolate shop and cafe. Police shut down the area, closing roads and moving people away. The Martin Place station was also closed.
Shortly after, television footage showed at least two people, thought to be employees of the cafe and who were visibly distressed, holding a black sign with the Islamic creed written on it up to the window.
The BBC's Security Correspondent Frank Gardner said the flag was similar to but not the same as that used by the Islamic State militant group in the Middle East.
An Australian Broadcasting Corporation reporter said that gunfire had been heard at the scene - but this has not been confirmed.
No injuries have been reported from the incident, according to a police spokesperson.
Terror threat
Police have also said that they are dealing with an "incident" at the Sydney Opera House, which has been evacuated.
Local media are reporting that a suspicious package was found there on Monday, though it was unclear whether it was connected to the Martin Place incident.
People were evacuated from office buildings have gathered in nearby Hyde Park
Speaking in Canberra, Mr Abbott said that the incident was still unfolding, and urged caution. But he said the "whole point of politically motivated violence is to scare people out of being themselves".
"Australia is a peaceful, open and generous society - nothing should ever change that and that's why I would urge all Australians today to go about their business as usual," he said.
Australia has been facing a growing terror threat in recent months, in part connected to the fight against the Islamic State.
About 70 Australians are believed to be fighting for militant groups in the Middle East while another 20 have returned home.
In September, the largest anti-terror raids in Australian history were carried out in Sydney and Brisbane after intelligence emerged that people were planning to carry out random attacks on Australian soil. One person was charged with terror offences.
Anti-terror legislation was passed in October, which critics said was too severe. Mr Abbott has said the threat meant "the delicate balance between freedom and security may have to shift".
The Lindt Cafe is located in a plaza in the heart of the city's financial and shopping district that is usually packed with shoppers at this time of year.
It is home to the state premier's office and the headquarters of two of the nation's largest banks. The state parliament house is also only a few streets away.
Are you in Sydney? Have you witnessed the hostage situation? You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
If you are willing to talk to a BBC journalist, please leave your number.
Or comment here:
Have your say .. http://www.bbc.com/news/contact-us/have-your-say?assetUri=/news/world-australia-30473983
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30473983
~~~
Of course the Australian government knew of the American government's torture regime. Even allegedly Australians present while it was being perpetrated.
The Australian Government Needs To Respond To Torture Report
December 13, 2014 by Dalia Mae 7 Comments
http://gumshoenews.com/2014/12/13/the-australian-government-needs-to-respond-to-torture-report/
Australians saw Habib tortured, says officer
Date February 13, 2011
http://www.smh.com.au/national/australians-saw-habib-tortured-says-officer-20110212-1aran.html
Former Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks heckles minister over torture
http://mashable.com/2014/12/10/david-hicks-torture/
.. suggestion one was arrested in the street outside, but no mention of that on tv .. also that the target
was not the cafe, there was interruption on the street so the cafe became it .. most all is speculation now ..
14 December 2014 Last updated at 21:19 ET
VIDEO - Armed police have sealed off Martin Place in central Sydney
Related Stories
Australian recruits 'used' by IS - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30389736
Australians banned from IS 'capital' - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30324217
Who are Australia's radicalised Muslims? - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29249462
Several people have been taken hostage by at least one armed man at a Lindt cafe in the centre of Sydney.
Hundreds of armed police have sealed off the normally busy Martin Place in Sydney's central business district.
Pictures on Australian television have shown at least three people with their hands up against a window, and a black flag with Arabic writing.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described the incident as "deeply concerning".
He said it was not yet clear who was behind the incident or what their motives were, but said law enforcement agencies were well-equipped to respond.
In a brief news conference, he said the National Security Committee had been briefed, and urged Australians to go about their lives but to be alert.
"I can think of almost nothing more distressing, more terrifying than to be caught up in such a situation, and our hearts go out to these people," he said.
Streets have been closed around the building and people moved out of the area
New South Wales Police said in a statement .. https://www.facebook.com/nswpoliceforce?rf=105636842804324 .. that an "armed incident" was under way, and that "specialist officers are attempting to make contact with those inside a cafe".
The police said nearby offices had been evacuated as a precaution and asked people to remain indoors and way from open windows.
Many people were arriving at work as the area was shut down
__________________________________________________
At the scene: Wendy Frew, BBC Australia Editor Online
Colleagues of people inside the building are waiting outside for new
Martin Place is a public pedestrian thoroughfare through the heart of Sydney, joining its parliamentary, legal and retail districts.
It is full of media, members of the public and the police, with what appear to be anxious colleagues of people trapped inside the building, waiting for news. Several surrounding blocks are cordoned off.
Police are at this stage not giving media briefings at the site - dozens of police cars have arrived at the scene, with more continuing to come.
__________________________________________________
The incident began as people were arriving for work in Martin Place on Monday morning.
There is a heavy police presence in the heart of Sydney
Witnesses saw a man with a bag and gun walk into the Lindt chocolate shop and cafe. Police shut down the area, closing roads and moving people away. The Martin Place station was also closed.
Shortly after, television footage showed at least two people, thought to be employees of the cafe and who were visibly distressed, holding a black sign with the Islamic creed written on it up to the window.
The BBC's Security Correspondent Frank Gardner said the flag was similar to but not the same as that used by the Islamic State militant group in the Middle East.
An Australian Broadcasting Corporation reporter said that gunfire had been heard at the scene - but this has not been confirmed.
No injuries have been reported from the incident, according to a police spokesperson.
Terror threat
Police have also said that they are dealing with an "incident" at the Sydney Opera House, which has been evacuated.
Local media are reporting that a suspicious package was found there on Monday, though it was unclear whether it was connected to the Martin Place incident.
People were evacuated from office buildings have gathered in nearby Hyde Park
Speaking in Canberra, Mr Abbott said that the incident was still unfolding, and urged caution. But he said the "whole point of politically motivated violence is to scare people out of being themselves".
"Australia is a peaceful, open and generous society - nothing should ever change that and that's why I would urge all Australians today to go about their business as usual," he said.
Australia has been facing a growing terror threat in recent months, in part connected to the fight against the Islamic State.
About 70 Australians are believed to be fighting for militant groups in the Middle East while another 20 have returned home.
In September, the largest anti-terror raids in Australian history were carried out in Sydney and Brisbane after intelligence emerged that people were planning to carry out random attacks on Australian soil. One person was charged with terror offences.
Anti-terror legislation was passed in October, which critics said was too severe. Mr Abbott has said the threat meant "the delicate balance between freedom and security may have to shift".
The Lindt Cafe is located in a plaza in the heart of the city's financial and shopping district that is usually packed with shoppers at this time of year.
It is home to the state premier's office and the headquarters of two of the nation's largest banks. The state parliament house is also only a few streets away.
Are you in Sydney? Have you witnessed the hostage situation? You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
If you are willing to talk to a BBC journalist, please leave your number.
Or comment here:
Have your say .. http://www.bbc.com/news/contact-us/have-your-say?assetUri=/news/world-australia-30473983
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30473983
~~~
Of course the Australian government knew of the American government's torture regime. Even allegedly Australians present while it was being perpetrated.
The Australian Government Needs To Respond To Torture Report
December 13, 2014 by Dalia Mae 7 Comments
http://gumshoenews.com/2014/12/13/the-australian-government-needs-to-respond-to-torture-report/
Australians saw Habib tortured, says officer
Date February 13, 2011
http://www.smh.com.au/national/australians-saw-habib-tortured-says-officer-20110212-1aran.html
Former Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks heckles minister over torture
http://mashable.com/2014/12/10/david-hicks-torture/
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