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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
Outside the box.
Australia's Intelligence Chief Warns of Rising Threat from Radicalized Minors and Foreign Interference
ASIO's annual threat assessment highlights the alarming trend of youth radicalization and foreign plots against individuals in Australia.
In a stark warning on the state of national security, Mike Burgess, the director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), revealed concerning trends in radicalization among minors.
During ASIO's annual threat assessment delivered on Wednesday, Burgess noted a troubling case involving a 12-year-old who allegedly expressed intentions to detonate a bomb at a place of worship.
He emphasized that minors present a credible terrorist threat comparable to that posed by adults.
Burgess highlighted various incidents of radicalized youth, citing examples of minors engaging with extremist content and behaviors, including sharing beheading videos in school environments.
Additionally, he referenced a 17-year-old accused of creating antisemitic slogans, influenced by Nazi propaganda.
In the comprehensive assessment, Burgess addressed the rising influence of various extremist groups, particularly nationalist and racist violent extremists, who are reportedly attempting to execute high-profile acts to gain support and visibility.
The assessment also covered international threats, revealing that foreign intelligence services have plotted to lure an Australia-based human rights activist to a third country, potentially for harmful purposes.
At least three nations have been implicated in schemes to jeopardize the safety of individuals residing in Australia.
Despite geopolitical tensions, Burgess clarified that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has not directly incited terrorist activities within Australia.
However, he noted it has heightened societal divisions, increased intolerance, and undercut social cohesion, ultimately making politically motivated violence more likely.
The terrorism threat level in Australia has been elevated to 'probable' as of 2024, with Burgess indicating that there are no near-term expectations for a reduction.
He expressed ongoing concern regarding young Australians falling prey to ideologically motivated extremism, reporting that the median age of minors subjected to ASIO investigations has now reached 15.
Further elaborating on foreign threats, Burgess stated that several authoritarian regimes have attempted to monitor and apply pressure on individuals within Australia.
He indicated that at least four countries have made attempts at forced repatriation of individuals, creating an atmosphere of fear among diaspora communities.
One case highlighted involved a dual citizen in Australia facing relentless pressure from authorities in his country of origin.
After he declined to return to face alleged past charges, a campaign of intimidation began against him.
Burgess reported that while some foreign regimes have escalated their efforts to intimidate or engage in espionage against diaspora communities, others appear to have scaled back their activities for the time being.
He underscored the normalization of violent protests and intimidation tactics, particularly impacting the Jewish community, which has seen a rise in antisemitic incidents.
He conveyed concern that these attacks have not yet reached a plateau, indicating a persistent threat to social harmony.
During ASIO's annual threat assessment delivered on Wednesday, Burgess noted a troubling case involving a 12-year-old who allegedly expressed intentions to detonate a bomb at a place of worship.
He emphasized that minors present a credible terrorist threat comparable to that posed by adults.
Burgess highlighted various incidents of radicalized youth, citing examples of minors engaging with extremist content and behaviors, including sharing beheading videos in school environments.
Additionally, he referenced a 17-year-old accused of creating antisemitic slogans, influenced by Nazi propaganda.
In the comprehensive assessment, Burgess addressed the rising influence of various extremist groups, particularly nationalist and racist violent extremists, who are reportedly attempting to execute high-profile acts to gain support and visibility.
The assessment also covered international threats, revealing that foreign intelligence services have plotted to lure an Australia-based human rights activist to a third country, potentially for harmful purposes.
At least three nations have been implicated in schemes to jeopardize the safety of individuals residing in Australia.
Despite geopolitical tensions, Burgess clarified that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has not directly incited terrorist activities within Australia.
However, he noted it has heightened societal divisions, increased intolerance, and undercut social cohesion, ultimately making politically motivated violence more likely.
The terrorism threat level in Australia has been elevated to 'probable' as of 2024, with Burgess indicating that there are no near-term expectations for a reduction.
He expressed ongoing concern regarding young Australians falling prey to ideologically motivated extremism, reporting that the median age of minors subjected to ASIO investigations has now reached 15.
Further elaborating on foreign threats, Burgess stated that several authoritarian regimes have attempted to monitor and apply pressure on individuals within Australia.
He indicated that at least four countries have made attempts at forced repatriation of individuals, creating an atmosphere of fear among diaspora communities.
One case highlighted involved a dual citizen in Australia facing relentless pressure from authorities in his country of origin.
After he declined to return to face alleged past charges, a campaign of intimidation began against him.
Burgess reported that while some foreign regimes have escalated their efforts to intimidate or engage in espionage against diaspora communities, others appear to have scaled back their activities for the time being.
He underscored the normalization of violent protests and intimidation tactics, particularly impacting the Jewish community, which has seen a rise in antisemitic incidents.
He conveyed concern that these attacks have not yet reached a plateau, indicating a persistent threat to social harmony.
