A PhD candidate has been denied bail after being accused of planning a terror attack.## Court ProceedingsSepehr Saryazdi appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, charged with one count of acts in preparation for or planning a terrorist act. The Commonwealth prosecutor, Ellie McDonald, opposed bail, citing a "significant risk of committing a violent act."## Allegations PresentedThe court heard that counter-terrorism officers began investigating Mr. Saryazdi after receiving information about his online postings. Ms. McDonald stated that the alleged actions involved Facebook Messenger chats within a private group of over 50 individuals.According to the prosecution, Mr. Saryazdi planned to lead a riot on the Gold Coast on Australia Day, which allegedly involved using Molotov cocktails. He reportedly purchased supplies and equipment for this purpose and encouraged others to prepare by "stockpiling vodka bottles."Further alleged statements from Mr. Saryazdi included:Instructions to group members to "stay calm and collected" if arrested.Advice to "make the police doubt their own world views and convince them to quit their job."Expressions of "wishes in case I die" before participating in the alleged event.A belief that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) would attempt to "kill or lobotomise" him if the government were overthrown.Recommendations for group members to learn how to shoot guns and apply for jobs with ASIO and the defence force to "begin internal operations to down tyranny."## Defence ArgumentsDefence lawyer Hellen Shilton stated that her client, an academic, had become isolated after moving from Sydney to Brisbane for his career with CSIRO. She argued that he was influenced by new associates and became "overwhelmed emotionally" due to an interest in geopolitics and observing protests.Ms. Shilton asserted that Mr. Saryazdi's intention was "never to hurt anyone," but rather to "bring attention to the way that the world was heading and the government" and to "make national news" to "bring people together" following disenchantment with the government.## Bail DecisionMagistrate Penelope Hay denied bail, noting Mr. Saryazdi's admissions regarding his beliefs that the Australian Government was authoritarian and his desire to replace it with a cybernetics government. The Magistrate concluded that the risk of serious injury to multiple people was too significant.Mr. Saryazdi remains in custody, with his case scheduled to return to court next month.