18 attempted murder charges for Melbourne car attack suspect
MELBOURNE (AFP) — An Afghan refugee accused of ploughing his car into pedestrians in Melbourne was charged yesterday with 18 counts of attempted murder, as police vowed boosted presence over the Christmas period.
Saeed Noori, who has a history of drug abuse and mental problems, allegedly drove his car through a busy downtown intersection on Thursday, careening into tourists and shoppers.
His motive was not clear, although police alleged he made “utterances” to them about voices, dreams and the “poor treatment of Muslims” after his arrest.
No link to any terrorist group has been found.
“A 32-year-old man has been charged with 18 counts of attempted murder and one count of conduct endangering life,” Victoria state police said in a statement, citing Thursday’s attack.
Broadcaster ABC said Noori did not apply for bail when he appeared in court yesterday, putting his head in his hands and becoming emotional when he saw his mother weeping during the short hearing.
The magistrate ordered a psychiatric assessment and he is due to appear in court again on Wednesday, the broadcaster reported.
Of 19 people taken to the hospital after the incident, 12 remain, with three in critical condition.
Nine foreigners were hurt, including three South Koreans, two of whom are fighting for their lives. The others were from China, Italy, India, Venezuela, Ireland and New Zealand.
With a major carols-bycandlelight event scheduled for Christmas Eve and the Boxing Day cricket test between Australia and England taking place nearby, the police said they will be out in force.
“Police are very well placed to do everything that is necessary to keep venues like the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) safe and so many others that are going to be really busy over these coming days,” Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said.