Teen charged with alleged terrorism offence pleads not guilty

The teenager faced the ACT Children’s Court on Monday. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Lawyers for a teenager facing a terrorism-related charge after he allegedly possessed violent extremist material have entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

An Australian Federal Police (AFP) spokesperson said officers raided a home in Canberra in early December 2024 “as part of an ongoing investigation”.

The teenager, who was under 18 so legally can’t be named, was arrested and charged with one count of using a carriage service for violent extremist material.

“There is no current threat to the community,” the AFP spokesperson said after the raid.

The teen first faced court later that same month and was remanded in custody, then reappeared in the ACT Children’s Court via audio-visual link on Monday (20 January).

His lawyer, Legal Aid’s Ketinia McGowan, said her team had instructions to plead not guilty to his charge.

This means he will fight the charge at an upcoming hearing in the court.

Special Magistrate Lucinda Wilson said normally prosecutors would provide the brief of evidence to the defence team within eight weeks, as the teen was in custody.

However, she said some digital forensics had to be taken, which meant the AFP needed more time to prepare the material.

The teen was asked whether he had any questions, but he replied, “Oh, no”.

The matter was adjourned to March.

His charge carries a maximum penalty of five years’ jail.