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| Supreme law courts in Sydney, Australia |
The Australian state of New South Wales will introduce laws to ban “disrespectful behaviour” in court after a devout Muslim charged with attempted murder repeatedly refused to stand, saying he did not recognise the authority of the judiciary.
Milad bin Ahmad-Shah al-Ahmadzai, 25, caused a public outcry – and his conduct was criticised by local Muslim leaders - but authorities said his failure to stand did not appear to be illegal under existing contempt laws.
Al-Ahmadzai has been charged with the vicious beating and shooting of a man outside a gay sex club in Sydney, apparently after the man interrupted an attempt to break into a mechanic business next door to the club.
For the past 18 months, al-Ahmadzai has refused to stand in court, insisting he was “not at the behest of any authority other than Islam”.
Dismissing his conduct as unacceptable, Gabrielle Upton, the state’s attorney-general, said she will introduce legislation early next year to create a new offence for disrespectful behaviour in court. » | Jonathan Pearlman, Sydney | Thursday, December 3, 2015
THE GUARDIAN: Man who refuses to stand in court to be considered for contempt: The NSW attorney general, Gabrielle Upton, seeks advice on whether man on attempted murder charges should be investigated ‘for breaches of contempt’ » | Australian Associated Press | Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Victim of Sydney sex club shooting shown running for his life in disturbing CCTV »
