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12 May 2016, 4:20pm
Media Release

Media Statement: Five men arrested in Queensland remain in custody

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) can confirm that five men arrested in Queensland on Tuesday, 10 May 2016 remain in custody pending enquiries as part of an ongoing investigation.

A period of detention under “specified time” provisions [as outlined in Section 23DD of the Crimes Act 1914] was granted by a Magistrate today (Thursday, 12 May 2016) in relation to this investigation.

These detention provisions recognise that terrorism investigations can be complex and that there may be legitimate reasons for extended periods of detention for suspects in such matters.

The use of “specified time” provisions during investigations like this is vital to gathering, assessing and compiling relevant evidence.

The AFP must satisfy the judicial officer before whom the application is made that this “specified time” is reasonable and necessary. The legislation dictates that this additional “specified time” of detention must not exceed seven (7) days.

It should be noted that the presumption of innocence still applies to these men, and no criminal charges have been laid.