Dutton: Prakash can rot in prison

HOME Affairs Minister Peter Dutton says he hopes Neil Prakash rots in a Turkish jail, as the Federal Government considers appealing a decision to reject the Melbourne- born terrorist’s extradition.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is disappointed with the Turkish court decision but has vowed to continue trying to bring the Islamic State jihadist and recruiter back to Australia to face justice in his home country.

Mr Dutton said the best possible outcome for any terrorist was to be “targeted and killed” on the battlefield, but Australia had an interest in extraditing Prakash.

“From my perspective, I’m happy to see him rot in jail in Turkey,” Mr Dutton said in Brisbane yesterday.

Prakash ( pictured) has been in custody near the border with Syria since 2016 after he attempted to enter Turkey with false documents.

The Kilis Criminal Court in southern Turkey rejected a request from Australia to have him extradited. But in a separate hearing, Prakash was ordered to answer charges of committing crimes against Turkey by being a member of Islamic State – which could result in him spending 25 years in a Turkish jail.

Mr Turnbull confirmed Australia was exploring its legal options, including an appeal.

“Our goal is to ensure Neil Prakash is not ever able to practise his evil trade of terrorism ever again,” Mr Turnbull said yesterday.

“We’ll be working closely with the Turkish authorities to see how we can ensure that he is brought back to face justice in Australian courts.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop expressed disappointment at the decision.

“We will continue to engage with Turkish authorities as they consider whether to appeal the extradition decision,” she said.

Prakash has previously admitted being a member of Islamic State but said he had nothing to do with the group in Australia. He faces a potential life sentence if convicted in Australia of terrorism offences.

The former rapper from Melbourne featured in IS videos and has been linked to a failed Melbourne plot to behead a police officer and another attack in which two officers were stabbed outside a Melbourne police station.

Prakash is expected to reappear in court on Thursday, September 27.