BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND –
Sepehr Saryazdi, A 24-year-old PhD candidate has been charged and remanded in custody following an alleged plot to ignite an Australia Day riot on the Gold Coast with Molotov cocktails, intending to overthrow the government and replace it with an artificial intelligence-driven “cybernetic” state.
Sepehr Saryazdi, a high-achieving academic with a Master of Mathematical Sciences from the University of Sydney and a PhD student associated with the CSIRO and the Australian Centre for Robotics, appeared before the Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday, 22 January.
Detectives from the Counter-Terrorism Investigation Group launched an investigation after a crucial tip-off from a member of the public via Crime Stoppers reported suspicious online activity. Police allege Saryazdi was actively making plans for acts of violence.
The Alleged “Cybernetic” Revolution
During the bail hearing, Crown prosecutor Ellie McDonald outlined a “concerning” series of alleged plans and communications. It is alleged that Saryazdi intended to lead a riot during Australia Day celebrations on the Gold Coast this coming Monday, January 26.
Police further allege that between January 4 and 9, Saryazdi purchased alcohol, wrapping paper, and blankets for the purpose of constructing Molotov cocktails. He is also accused of using a private Facebook Messenger group to urge others to stockpile “vodka bottles” for incendiary devices and encouraged them to learn how to shoot guns.
At the core of the alleged plot is a document reportedly authored by Saryazdi titled “Australia’s future cybernetics government: the next phase of civilisation.” In court, prosecutors stated Saryazdi allegedly told police the government was “turning tyrannical” and believed it should be replaced by a system guided by AI and data analysis. This concept, known as “sociocybernetics,” envisions society as a system to be controlled by algorithms and real-time data, removing subjective human elements like politicians.
Court Proceedings and Bail Refusal
Prosecutor McDonald opposed bail, presenting messages where Saryazdi allegedly stated he “expected to die” during the planned attack unless he was “lobotomised by ASIO,” framing his potential demise as a logical sacrifice for his cause.
Saryazdi’s Legal Aid solicitor, Hellen Shilton, argued her client was “misguided,” “emotionally overwhelmed,” and suffering from social isolation after moving to Brisbane. Ms. Shilton claimed Saryazdi had lost contact with his parents and spent an excessive amount of time watching protest videos, becoming obsessed with perceived government overreach. She contended he never truly intended to harm anyone but rather sought a “national platform” to air his grievances.
However, Magistrate Penelope Hay ultimately denied bail, citing the “strength of the prosecution case” and the serious nature of the allegations. Saryazdi has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear before the court on February 20.
Reassurance and Vigilance
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has reassured the community that there are no known ongoing direct threats to the community or any upcoming events at this time. It is not alleged that a specific group was the target of the alleged planned acts of violence.
“The safety and security of our communities remain the Service’s highest priority,” a QPS spokesperson stated. “The QPS continues to work in close collaboration with our federal and state counterparts to ensure the safety of all Queenslanders.”
Authorities have emphasised the critical role of public vigilance in thwarting potential threats. The QPS encourages anyone with information about possible threats to come forward, regardless of how insignificant they may deem the information.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.