News in Brief

Six more people charged over Wakeley church riot

The latest charges take the tally of those facing court over the riot that followed the stabbing of a Sydney bishop to 29 people.

A man is led into a police station by police

A man arrested in April in connection with the riots. Credit: NSW Police Force

Another six people have been charged over a violent riot outside a Sydney church that followed the stabbing of a bishop during a live-streamed sermon.

The background: The 15 April riot, which investigators say swelled to involve 2,000 people and injured several police officers, followed the stabbing of Assyrian bishop Mar Mari Emannuel and priest Isaac Royel.

Six people were charged on Thursday, including a 17-year-old boy. They face a range of charges including unlawful assembly, rioting, destroying or damaging property, and one has been charged with throwing a missile at a police officer.

On Friday, police also released images of seven men they want to speak to and are asking the men to contact police, as well as asking the public to help in identifying them.

The key quote: "I think [the rioters] underestimated the tenacity of police and detectives working on Strike Force Dribs and on the NSW Police Force and we will continue to investigate these matters until the seven individuals are in custody and facing justice before the courts." — Superintendent Andrew Evans.
What else to know: Fresh charges have been levelled against the 16-year-old boy accused of stabbing Emmanuel and Royel during the live-streamed sermon.

A court was told on Friday the teen will face charges of wounding with intent to murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, in addition to an existing charge of committing a terrorist act.

What happens now: The six people charged on Friday will face court in July and the alleged stabber is due to return to court on 26 July.


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2 min read
Published 14 June 2024 1:29pm
Updated 14 June 2024 8:23pm
Source: SBS News


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